Pence to address Koch brothers event next month

Vice President Pence is set to deliver a keynote address to a gathering of the conservative Koch brothers network next month. 

Wealthy donors in the network are expected to gather in New York for a policy and political strategy planning retreat on Oct. 12 and 13, USA Today reported Saturday. 

“As a legislator, governor and now vice president, Pence truly understands how good policies can help all Americans improve their lives,” James Davis, a spokesman for the network, said in a statement, according to USA Today.

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“Our members are looking forward to insight as we discuss plans to reverse the trajectory toward a two-tiered society and move toward one of mutual benefit, and a brighter future for all.”

The network was founded by the billionaire businessmen Charles and David Koch, who are among the nation’s most prolific conservative political donors. 

Pence has close ties to the Kochs and their political network. Marc Short, the current the White House legislative affairs director and Pence’s former chief of staff on Capitol Hill, once headed the Koch-connected Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce. And Americans for Prosperity, a key group in the Koch network, touted Pence’s record as Indiana governor.

The vice president quietly met with Charles Koch in June, a day before the Koch brothers network held a donor meeting in Colorado Springs. That meeting focused on issues, like tax reform and the Veterans Affairs Department.

Pence was also set to deliver the keynote address at an Americans for Prosperity meeting in Richmond, Va. last month, but ultimately backed out of the event. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross spoke at the event instead.