Mitch Daniels Not Running In 2012

Indiana governor Mitch Daniels will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012. Daniels sent an email to some of his supporters on early Sunday morning, apologizing for his decision and explaining the reasons that pushed him to this conclusion.

Caught between his loyalty to his family and sense of duty, the two-term governor chose his relatives and decided to stay out of the 2012 presidential race. According to reports Daniels’ wife Cheri heavily contributed to the decision.

Cheri Daniels was afraid of the devastating effect a potential national run could have on her family. She left him with four their children in 1993 to marry an old flame. The Daniels reconciled few years later and got remarried in 1997.

A favorite of the conservative movement, the former Office of Management and Budget director under George W. Bush, was seen by leaders in his party as a viable alternative to current GOP primary frontrunner Mitt Romney.

The former governor of Massachusetts is considered too moderate by the right flank of the Republican Party that is looking for a candidate with stronger conservative credentials to take on President Barack Obama.

Mitch Daniels’ defection brings clarity and more confusion to a GOP 2012 that seems to lack star power. Although it remains to be seen how this will affect the race as a whole, any direct stalemate benefice usually goes to the frontrunner. Romney is probably smiling right now, but for how long?

Tags: Mitch Daniels

Category: Politics