Indiana Gov. takes “vacation” in Israel

By Lauren Appelbaum, Political Director

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels

Washington, April 4 – Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is in Israel this week – but his office insists it’s simply a low-profile “personal trip.”

Unlike New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is in Israel on a high-profile visit, Daniels is in Israel for an eight-day “vacation,” per Jane Jankowski, his press secretary .

However, Daniels is planning to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and this trip could boost his political profile.

Like Christie’s trip to the region, Daniels’ trip fuels speculation that he is boosting his foreign policy credentials for a potential vice presidential bid or cabinet appointment. Both Christie and Daniels were recruited to run for president in 2012 but turned down the opportunity.

Mickey Maurer, who headed the Indiana Economic Development Corp. under Daniels in 2005 and 2006 and is currently the Indianapolis Business Journal publisher, is leading the trip. He and Daniels are scheduled to meet with Israeli businesses and aerospace companies, although the governor’s office said this trip is not an official trade mission.

Daniels also plans to visit cultural and religious sites and to spend Easter in Jerusalem.