Governor Daniels weighs in on Indiana Gubernatorial race

WABASH, Ind. (WANE) -   Indiana's gubernatorial candidates will square off in the first of three debates. NewsChannel 15 caught up with Governor Mitch Daniels and got his thoughts on the Governors race.

After eight years as Governor, Mitch Daniels said he has a good grip on the state and the people who live in it. Now that a new man will be elected Governor, Daniels said he's happy to see the Gubernatorial candidates are keeping things clean.

"I'd like to think we've set some sort of an expectation in this state that we will keep it clean. We can debate strenuously but not attack peoples' character or background or motives those sort of things," Governor Mitch Daniels said.

Daniels believes Republican Mike Pence has a good chance of becoming the next Governor of Indiana.

"There's evidence that Mike Pence has the upper hand right now but until the votes are cast no one really knows."

Daniels has some advice though for the next man who will become Governor - travel and get to know the Hoosier state.

"Whoever's Governor needs to make it very much a part of their regular job to get out and be accessible to people and to keep studying this state and all its variety."

Assuming the Affordable Healthcare act will take full effect, Daniels said the future Governor should approach it with caution. That's because right now the health of Indiana is in good shape.

"That can change very quickly and particularly with the new mandates and costs of the healthcare bill and particularly with the national economy that is still staggering."

Pence will face Democrat John Gregg and Libertarian Rupert Boneham.

Click here to watch the live stream of the debate which starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday.