Indiana Governor Mike Pence, once a rising star in the Republican party, has done great PR harm to the Hoosier State through his signing on its anti-gay discrimination law. There's an easy way out.

hrcThe state has now turned to Porter Novelli to undo the self-inflicted reputational damage, which featured a corporate revolt of companies with big operations in the state. Angie's List, for instance, has suspended plans to expand its headquarters campus. News of PN's hire rocketed over the Internet today.

Indiana's Economic Development Corp. hired PN to perform PR magic, positioning the state as a "good place to live, visit and do business," which is currently a dicey situation.

PN North America president Brad MacAffee, an Indiana State University alum, is eager to get to work to promote "the incredible and innovative story that is Indiana today."

The Human Rights Campaign, a top lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocate for equal rights, thinks there is a better way for Pence, who has seen a 20 point drop in his approval rating since February, to go rather than launching and paying $2M for a PR campaign.

Fred Sainz. HRC's VP-communications, offered the politico some advice today. He blogged: "I’ve got good news for the governor—this twenty-year PR flack is happy to pass along some tips for free. Pledge to support and sign non-discrimination legislation early next legislative session that protects all Hoosiers—it’s quick, cheap, easy, and a sure-fire way to end up on the right side of history.”

Sounds like sound advice.