Indiana Governor Mike Braun optimistic Chicago Bears will move to Hammond: EXCLUSIVE

Indiana's governor is opening up more on his hopes the Bears build their new stadium in Hammond. Governor Mike Braun spoke exclusively with ABC7 Chicago, saying he's feeling more confident than ever that the Hoosier state will soon be home to the Chicago Bears. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7.

Click here to watch Governor Braun says he's not counting his chickens before they're hatched, but he is clearly optimistic that Hammond in Northwest Indiana could be the Bears' new home soon. Braun was in Merrillville for Indiana Business Hall of Fame inductions, addressing the topic that's on the minds of most business people and residents of Northwest Indiana: The Bears. "Dare I say there might be a good, better, best stadium construction in Hammond," Braun said.

"Just saying. " Governor Braun says the McCaskeys have been to the governor's mansion in Indianapolis on several occasions, and he's had plenty of opportunity to sell the Hoosier state to the Bears ownership group. One selling point is Indiana's AAA credit rating.

"You'll get a lot more stadium for the amount of money you invest. And with the vitality and business atmosphere of what you can get coming into Hammond," Braun said. Indiana state lawmakers passed legislation in late February to pave the way for the Bears to build their new stadium in Hammond near Wolf Lake.