No presidential run for Pence

In an e-mail sent to supporters Jan. 27, six-term U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th District, who once had the third highest ranking position in the Republican Party in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced he will forego a run for the presidency in 2012.

Last November, Pence resigned as House Republican conference chairman, a position that ranked him just behind John Boehner, former House minority leader and Eric Cantor, former House minority whip.

Political pundits speculated that he stepped down in order to focus on a large campaign in the future — foreshadowing a possible run for the presidency. Pence disbarred those myths in last week’s e-mail.

“In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana. We will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012,” Pence said.

With the dismissal of one rumor came the start of another, as many supporters now believe the Columbus, Ind., born and raised congressman may seek a shot at the governor’s mansion.

“In the months ahead, as we attend to our duties in Congress, we will also be traveling across the state to listen and learn about how Hoosiers think we might best contribute in the years ahead,” Pence said. “After taking time to listen to Hoosiers, we will make a decision later this year about what role we will seek to play.”

Although his e-mail is solely an interpretation of what his future plans may be, his popularity in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District is unquestionable.

In last November’s midterm elections, Pence garnered 67 percent of the vote and won every county in his district. The 6th District comprises a large portion of eastern Indiana, including Columbus, Richmond, Anderson and Muncie. It is still possible that Pence will seek another re-election to Congress in 2012, said Matt Lloyd, communications director for Pence in an e-mail.

Though Pence currently has a successful political career, this has not always been the case.

In both the 1988 and 1990 elections, the IU School of Law graduate ran for Congress and was defeated — signaling a possible end to a political career.

During the next 10 years, before he won his first election, he was the president of the conservative Indiana Policy Review Foundation and was the host of “The Mike Pence Show,” Lloyd said.

Pence’s radio show was syndicated throughout the state of Indiana. It may be these former radio roots that prompted Pence to be the first congressman on the Hill to have a radio station in a congressional office.

Although the congressman and his family permanently reside in Columbus, Ind., they call northern Virginia home when Congress is in session. On his website, Pence is self-described as “a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order.”

Even though Pence is out of the picture for the presidency, rumors are still circulating that current Gov. Mitch Daniels may have his sights set on a White House run in 2012.

Despite overwhelming encouragement from supporters, Daniels has yet to make a final decision and is not expected to until the conclusion of the 117th Indiana General Assembly.

“Governor Daniels has said on many occasions that he has not made a decision about a possible presidential run in 2012," Daniels’ spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said. "He has an aggressive legislative agenda and is keeping his focus on Indiana. He is pleased that people around the country have noticed the positive changes that have been occurring in Indiana in the past several years.”