Mike Pence’s swift reaction to the sequester has been impressive. Our freshman governor emphatically stated last week that Indiana in no way will backfill the federal cuts, but, instead, courtesy of Indiana’s diligence in balancing the budget and controlling spending, the state is ready to invest strongly in some of the areas most affected by federal cuts. Education and job training are among the leaders. Pence’s 2013 budget, his office says, “includes $127 million in new funding for Indiana schools, full funding of our state-funded college aid, and $18 million in additional job training funds, all of which would help mitigate the impact of sequestration.” Former Gov. Mitch Daniels set the table, and Pence is carrying forward the mission. Thus far, it’s inspiring.

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It very well could seem like a lost penny to a multi-billionaire, but it’s worth noting our illustrious federal government doled out nearly $400,000 in 2012 on oil portraits of government officials. Yes, indeed, priorities. Funded by your money.

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By making the sequester cuts highly visible (see: delays at TSA screening stations at airports), President Barack Obama has done exactly as he promised to do, and that is let Americans see the effects of the whole deal up close. It’s show-and-tell leadership.

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Rep. Louis Gohmert (R-Texas) last week introduced an amendment to the fast-moving continuing resolution-spending bill that would bar funding for Obama’s golf matches until the White House reopens for public tours. The president shut down those tours last week. Gohmert’s idea isn’t clever or funny; it’s smart. Which is exactly why John Boehner (R-Ohio), speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, threw it out. If it makes sense, apparently, it’s no good.