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CLEVELAND – Indiana Gov. Mike Pence emerged Thursday as Donald Trump’s likely running mate, with allies of Pence and Trump sending increasingly strong signals that Pence would join the GOP ticket and Republican leaders saying they have been told to stand by for an announcement.

But less than 24 hours before Trump was set to reveal his vice-presidential choice at an event in New York, Trump had not made a formal offer, according Republicans familiar with the discussions who spoke mid-afternoon Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the ongoing talks were confidential.

The GOP’s presumptive presidential nominee, traveling in California for a series of fundraisers, continued Thursday to solicit advice from his family and aides — and held off, at least into the afternoon, on notifying Pence or any other potential pick of a decision, these Republicans said.

In Indiana, meanwhile, Pence gave an economic speech and then waited with his family and advisers for word from Trump.

Associates of Trump said he has been torn between his gut instincts to tap a fiery combatant or heeding the advice of his advisers to tap the relatively low-key and low-profile Pence, whose elevation to the ticket could help unify the divided Republican Party. Causing further hesitation was Trump’s lack of a close personal bond with Pence, whom he has only gotten to know in recent months.

Trump’s adult children, as well as son-in-law Jared Kushner, have played an influential role guiding Trump’s deliberations and gave him differing advice. Donald Trump Jr., the candidate’s eldest son, and Kushner have advocated for former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), even though Trump’s political advisers prefer Pence, according to people close to the family.

Trump’s advisers cautioned on Thursday afternoon that the selection process remained fluid, and Republicans familiar with the celebrity mogul candidate’s deliberations said that he could spring a surprise.

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