Ind. Sen. Vi Simpson announces she will not run for governor in 2012

Indiana State Sen. Vi Simpson announced Tuesday that she will not run for governor in 2012.

“I have been deeply moved by the hundreds of people across the state who believe in our shared ideals, and I am honored that they have encouraged me to carry their banner,” Simpson said in a statement released by the Indiana Democratic Party. “However, this must be a personal decision based on what is best for my family and for me, and I feel satisfied with the decision we have made.”

Simpson, the democratic minority leader, said she hopes to continue to be a progressive voice in the Statehouse. She said she wants to help the state government shift its focus to individual rights and economic equality.

The democrats have at least one candidate, former Indiana House Speaker John Gregg. As for the republican party, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-6th) and Hamilton County businessman Jim Wallace have announced their intentions to run for governor.

— Brooke Lillard