INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is touting his work protecting journalists while in Congress at the opening of the annual Associated Press Media Editors conference.
 
Pence also asked assembled journalists to continue holding the White House accountable during the rollout of the federal health care overhaul. Pence spoke Monday at the opening of the APME's 80th annual conference.
 
Pence worked throughout his dozen years in Congress to push for a media shield law. The former radio talk show host said the recent seizure of AP phone records by the Obama administration renews the need for better journalist protections.
 
He called the news media the “only check on government in real time” and cited support among conservatives for vigorous accountability journalism.
 
Pence also praised the APME's founding in Indiana decades ago.