“The Pence pick will suggest to many that Trump is serious about governing, and listens to political advice,” said Bruce Haynes, a GOP consultant in Washington. “Pence is a solid, strong pick with experience in foreign affairs and domestic policy. He’s also been a governor and understands executive power and decision-making.”…

“It fills the experience need,” said Charlie Black, a longtime GOP lobbyist in Washington. “He was in Congress, on the foreign relations committee, he’s traveled the world. And he is conservative without being threatening and getting in people’s face.”…

“Trump’s profile is not the normal partisan profile. He’s getting 80 percent of Republicans, but has 20 percent holding back,” Black said. “Pence can help with that and maybe even bring in some of those conservative donors who’ve been holding back. Trump is getting a lot of blue-collar Democrats, so he’s less in need of a running mate with crossover appeal.”