Mike Pence visits Charlotte manufacturer to touch on NC's economy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence brought the Donald Trump campaign Wednesday to Charlotte, where he talked about Trump, trade and taxes.

“I believe Donald Trump will be a great president,” Pence told a gathering of about 150 business leaders and factory workers at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, a 115-year old family business whose CEO is a staunch Trump supporter.

Pence told his audience that businesses face too many regulations and taxes that are too high.

"Our party has nominated a leader, a fighter, a man who believes in putting American jobs and the American worker first,” Pence said.

He called for tougher stances on trade agreements that he said are now hurting workers.

“We have not been smart. We have not been tough in defending American jobs and American workers when it comes to international trade. That’s about to change,” Pence said.

Pence spoke for roughly 15 minutes, during which he hit the usual political buttons.

"We're going to lower the corporate tax rate to 15 percent so that American businesses can create American jobs for the American people," he said.

He spoke about energy.

"Donald Trump and I are committed to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and we're going to end the war on coal and unleash the potential of the American economy," Pence said.

Pence told supporters that the Trump ticket's promise to lower income tax rates will "see the American economy take off like a jackrabbit."

Pence's visit to Charlotte was his second this month.

With many polls showing Trump behind rival Hillary Clinton in North Carolina, Pence said the state looms large in the November election.

He told supporters to find friends and co-workers and urge them to vote for Trump. 

"Let's get it done, North Carolina," Pence said.

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