The election is over a year away but one candidate for governor is already on the campaign trail.

Republican Congressman Mike Pence was in South Bend Tuesday night as a part of the St. Joseph County Lincoln Day Dinner.

All the county GOP's heavy hitters were in attendance.

Before dinner, we asked Pence why he should be the next governor of the Hoosier state.

Pence said, "We've got to keep Indiana growing. I think that will mean we've got to focus on creating good jobs, great schools, safe streets, and strong families. I think if we put those priorities in the forefront, and then really spend the next year and a half listening to Hoosiers, and seeing what the solutions are; to build on the solid foundation that the Daniels administration has laid down. We can do just that. We can build a better Indiana."

Pence says that he looks forward to debates against Democratic candidate for Governor John Gregg.