WESTFIELD, Ind. — Adam Harvey has his doubts about Donald Trump’s conservative credentials, but thinks choosing Mike Pence as his running mate could make all the difference.

The 21-year-old Madison County political activist and college student said he initially supported the candidacy of Rand Paul.

“Pence could bring a lot of strength to the ticket and unity to the party,” before entering Westfield’s Grand Park sports facility for the presumptive Republican Party nominee’s Tuesday night rally.

Joining Harvey were Alex Valdez and Christie Boze, a longtime Republican activist in Madison County.

Boze thinks the selection of Pence would appeal to the evangelical wing of the party. Moreover, during his six terms in congress, Pence stayed true to his heritage.

“When Pence was in Congress he did not forget his Hoosier values,” she added.

Trump is expected to select his vice presidential running mate on Friday, and Pence is on a short list that includes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingerich.

“I really feel Mr. Trump will make a difference for the country,” added Valdez, who voted for Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race.

Valdez said Trump will rebuild the military and restore the country’s economy.

Jennie Bolen and a group of friends from Whitestown attended the rally with an anyone-but-Hillary mindset.

“At this point, under no circumstance will we vote for Hillary,” Bolen said, referring to presumptive Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton.

“He’s a businessman. He gets it done,” Bolen added. “I think the political climate in Washington has created a political storm that has led to Trump.”

She is not, however, a supporter of Pence because of his conservative social policies. She called his opposition to same-sex marriage “antiquated.”

As people gathered Tuesday afternoon for the rally, only one protester appeared.

John Montgomery of Westfield held up one sign supporting Muslims and another for gay rights.

“I think he’s cashing in on people’s prejudices and fears,” said the Franklin College student. “What Trump and his policies represent are just so dangerous.”

Al Stewart, a vendor selling commemorative shirts outside the Westfield arena, said he’s still on the fence about a Trump presidency.

He thinks Trump has some good ideas, especially bringing jobs back to the United States.

Sales for Stewart and other vendors were slow, however.

“I’m just trying to make that money,” he said.

Hirsch writes for the Anderson, Indiana Herald Bulletin.