Former Vice President Mike Pence will officially launch his widely expected campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa next week, adding another candidate to the growing GOP field and putting him in direct competition with his former boss.

Pence will hold a kickoff event in Des Moines on June 7, the date of his 64th birthday, according to two people familiar with his plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details ahead of the official announcement. He’ll also release a video message as part of the launch.

[I like and respect Mike Pence, but … what exactly is his argument for president? He’s a former VP running against his own running mate from 2016 and 2020. If voters want continuity to the Trump administration, well, they’ll vote for Trump. If they want a change in direction, they will vote for candidates who weren’t an integral part of the Trump administration. If they want conservative policy substance over rallies, they can get that from DeSantis, who has actual executive experience in getting those passed and implemented. Or from Asa Hutchinson, who pretty much occupies the same lane as Pence without the Trump baggage. — Ed]