Lawmakers today honored Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann on her last day in office.
House members from both sides of the aisle praised her for her fairness, and for trying not to divide people along party lines.
"I admire what you have done," says Rep. Christina Hale, D-Indianapolis, "Stepping up for people that will never know what you've done for them, will never be able to vote for you, and will not know what kind of a hero you truly are."
Ellspermann served in the House before she became lieutenant governor in 2013. She says she came "kicking and screaming" into public office, but grew to love it.
"We did have a tough couple of years there, but we learned through it, we got better, and I know it shaped the way I believe politics ought to be done and how we should be public servants," Ellspermann says.
Gov. Pence praised Ellspermann's service in a statement, saying, "Her distinguished service and unmatched enthusiasm for our state set a standard for public service that has inspired people across Indiana."
Ellspermann leaves the Statehouse to pursue the presidency at Ivy Tech Community College.
The House and Senate votes Thursday to confirm former state GOP Chair Eric Holcomb as her replacement.