Democrats want Pence to release details of PR firm’s work
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana Democrats want Gov. Mike Pence to release documents showing what the state got for its money when it hired a public relations firm to deal with fallout over a new religious objections law.
Democratic Party chairman John Zody sent Pence a letter Monday asking for contracts, messages and emails related to the agreement with New York-based Porter Novelli.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced Thursday that it was canceling its contract with the firm that it hired in May to assess the state’s image following calls to boycott Indiana over the law. Critics feared the law could be used as a legal defense for discrimination against gays, lesbians and others.
The agency cited strong employment numbers, national recognition for Indiana’s business-friendly climate and cost-management efforts in canceling the contract.