Pence's Response to Special Counsel's Subpoena Raises Questions About Presidential Candidacy

Former Vice President Mike Pence indicated that he is not challenging all aspects of the subpoena issued last month by special counsel Jack Smith in his probe of the failed attempt by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election. Pence has argued that he is covered by the "speech and debate clause" that shields congressional officials from testimony related to their work. However, according to Pence's subpoena, there are a number of items that do not relate to Pence's duty certifying the election, including documents and communications relating to efforts to contest the 2020 election and relating to Trump's Jan. 6 rally that led to the Capitol attack.