Associated Press: A down-ballot candidate from the right throws a wrench into the Indiana governor’s race

Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s bid to become governor of Indiana seemed fairly straightforward until he got the running mate he didn’t want: a pastor and self-proclaimed Christian nationalist who finessed his way onto next month’s ballot.

Micah Beckwith, a podcaster from the Indianapolis suburb of Noblesville, where he leads Life Church, secured enough delegate support to upend the lieutenant governor nomination process at this year’s state GOP convention and become Braun’s running mate. His brand of conservatism has complicated the race by forcing Braun to discuss Beckwith’s views. [continue reading]