In a severe and disappointing blow to the Republicans’ chances of defeating Barack Obama in 2012, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced today that he will not enter the race for president.
Here is Daniels’ announcement as e-mailed to his supporters this morning:
“The counsel and encouragement I received from important citizens like you caused me to think very deeply about becoming a national candidate. In the end, I was able to resolve every competing consideration but one, but that, the interests and wishes of my family, is the most important consideration of all. If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry…If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise. I only hope that you will accept my sincerity in the judgment I reached.”
“Many thanks for your help and input during this period of reflection. Please stay in touch if you see ways in which an obscure Midwestern governor might make a constructive contribution to the rebuilding of our economy and our Republic.”
This leave Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney as the only viable candidates in the race for the Republican nomination.
Paging Bob McDonnell – Your country is holding on line 1….
