Gregg Touts Job Training Focus, Criticizes Gov. Pence's Handling Of Carrier Exit

INDIANAPOLIS -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg says he would offer manufacturing workers more support if elected governor.

Gregg met with Indiana steelworkers Tuesday to distinguish himself from Republican incumbent Mike Pence on what's become a common issue for state and national campaigns.

That's the decision by appliance-maker Carrier to move two Indiana factories and 1,400 jobs to Mexico has been a state and national campaign issue for months.

Gregg has already campaigned on how he would have handled the issue with the laid-off workers’ union, the United Steelworkers. In his latest appearance, he told them that he’d focus on building a skilled workforce, in advanced manufacturing and other sectors, if elected.

"These men and women that are losing their jobs have a unique skill set," Gregg said. "They've already got many skills that are needed, and it's either getting them hooked up with the right training, retraining, or where there are other positions."

Gregg has made that part of his economic platform. He says Gov. Mike Pence should have focused on more on helping workers find new opportunities after the Carrier announcement.

In a statement, the Pence campaign defends his handling of the situation, and says Carrier chose to leave the U.S. because of federal trade policies.