Gov. Daniels decides against a run for President

Gov. Mitch Daniels finally answered the question that has been consuming his governorship for more than a year: He will not be running for President in 2012.

“The answer is that I will not be a candidate,” he said in an email message to his supporters, according to the Indianapolis Star.

In the email released Sunday morning, Gov. Daniels cited family concerns as his reason for not seeking the Republican nomination.

“Our family constitution gives a veto to the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision,” Daniels said, referring to his wife and four daughters.
Daniels said while he would not be running for President, he would still fight for the cause of fiscal responsibility.

“I am deeply concerned,” Daniels said, “about the future of our Republic.”
Daniels’ decision not to run could create chaos in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Many of the other declared and potential candidates have either failed to inspire much passion or appear too polarizing to many Americans.

Daniels has served in numerous political and business positions, including the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for President George W. Bush and as an executive for Eli Lilly. The only elected position ever held by Daniels is the office of governor of Indiana.

Daniels was re-elected to a second term in 2008, winning more votes than any other candidate in Indiana’s political history .

According to a statement by the Indiana Democratic Party, “there’s no doubt that his decision not to enter this race is a loss for Republicans. Daniels would have brought a serious tone to a GOP field that’s thus far been characterized by silliness and distraction.”

He said during his 2008 re-election campaign that “governor is the only office I’ve run for, or ever will.”

Despite months of speculation to the contrary, it turns out that statement was true.

— Zach Ammerman