Top Colorado Republicans and delegates to the Republican National Convention lauded Donald Trump’s choice of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate Friday, although some said the announcement, by itself, wouldn’t sway their opinion of Trump.

“That’s a responsible choice, and I’m surprised Donald Trump selected Mike Pence. Clearly, Donald Trump needs to do well in the Midwest, since he’s been ignoring Colorado,” said state Rep. Justin Everett, R-Littleton, an RNC delegate pledged to support former Trump rival Ted Cruz.

“Mike Pence is fairly well liked by conservatives across the board, from liberty conservative to social conservative, so that will probably shore up some of the resistance to Donald Trump with conservatives who have been looking for a reason to support him,” Everett said.

But he added that the pick “absolutely” doesn’t change anything about he’ll be getting behind Trump.

“The vice president doesn’t do anything, it’s a ceremonial position,” Everett said. “It’s just window dressing. It’s as much of a publicity stunt as we’ve seen from Donald Trump. I’m going to support a conservative candidate, and Donald Trump is going to have to earn my vote, which he has not done yet.”

Less than a week before he’s scheduled to accept the GOP nomination in Cleveland, Trump has yet to win over some Republicans who question his demeanor and commitment to conservative principles. Pence, on the other hand, is known as much for his calm temperament as he is for hewing the line on issues important to the most conservative Republicans.

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman said he hoped some of what Pence has will rub off on Trump.

“People vote for the top of the ticket. I’ve said it before. Donald Trump has a long way to go before he earns my vote,” said Coffman, who doesn’t plan to attend the RNC.

“I hope Gov. Pence can convince Mr. Trump to tone down his rhetoric and focus on real solutions. I served with Mike Pence and respect the fact that he’s a dogged fiscal conservative,” Coffman said. “On reducing spending, Gov. Pence would be an asset to Mr. Trump – if he’ll listen.”

Pence served six terms in Congress until he was elected Indiana’s governor in 2012. He was locked in a tight race for a second term until Friday morning when he filed papers to withdraw from that race.

U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Cruz delegate to the RNC, applauded Trump’s selection.

“Gov. Pence is a thoughtful conservative leader,” Buck said. “Mr. Trump’s decision to add Mike Pence to the Republican ticket indicates a commitment to reaching out to conservatives and building a winning coalition.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner – he backed Cruz in the GOP primaries after his first choice, Marco Rubio, dropped out and has yet to fully embrace Trump – was succinct: “I served with Gov. Pence in the House of Representatives and came to know him as a good man and strong conservative.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton was equally succinct.

“Gov. Pence has a solid conservative record,” Tipton said when word of Trump’s choice broke.

Republican Senate nominee Darryl Glenn had unreserved praise for the selection.

“Mike Pence is a principled conservative who is committed to the conservative cause,” Glenn said. “He’s someone conservatives can trust, and he will make a great vice president.”

Glenn is scheduled to speak during prime time on Monday night, the first night of the convention.

Cruz delegate Randy Corporon said he was encouraged by the choice but pointed out that it isn’t a done deal until RNC delegates ratify the ticket.

“Of the potential nominees, Gov. Pence is and has been one of the most reliable for voting when in Congress, and now while governing his state, within a constitutionally conservative framework,” Corporon said. “He is an experienced leader. I look forward to discussing this selection with my constituents and fellow delegates and to hearing from the candidates and others at the convention prior to our vote for VP nominee.”

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Steve House called Pence “a proven leader and a strong addition to the Republican ticket” in a statement.

“He represents the best of the American dream growing up the son of a gas station manager in south-central Indiana and working his way up to governor of the Hoosier State,” House said, lauding Pence’s accomplishments as governor, such as enacting the largest tax cut in Indiana history and working to expand school choice.

“By picking a man of integrity like Gov. Mike Pence, Mr. Trump is drawing a clear contrast with Hillary Clinton’s systemic record of dishonesty,” said House, an enthusiastic Trump supporter and chairman of Colorado’s delegation to the national convention.

– ernest@coloradostatesman.com