...for President, at least.I still think he's going to run for Governor, personally. I've actually figured for a while now that he wasn't going to run for President just yet. He still has so much more to do, after all! He's a young, conservative, House member who has a following all over the nation (not to mention, obviously, Indiana), and I think he's going to sit back and wait a bit before running for "the big one". I think he'll be happy being influential to the legislation process and isn't too worried about being Commander in Chief as of right now. Plus, once he's President, that's about it. Retirement time. Sure, he'll give some speeches here and there, write his memoirs, but after that, GAME OVER. I don't think Pence is ready to serve 4-8 and then just sit on the sidelines just yet.
I also think that, perhaps, this announcement greatly ups the chance that Mitch is going to run for President in 2012. Nothing but speculation, of course, but it makes sense. Two people from Indiana running for President makes no sense, not to mention that Mitch has earned the opportunity to do this without any unneeded competition from his local political buddies. He's paid his dues.
Below is Pence's letter to friends and supporters (borrowed from Hoosierpundit):
Friends and Supporters,
Over the past few months, my family and I have been grateful for the encouragement we have received to consider other opportunities to serve our state and our nation in the years ahead.
We have been especially humbled by the confidence and support of those who believe we should pursue the presidency, but after much deliberation and prayer, we believe our calling is closer to home.
The highest office I will ever hold is husband and father. As a family, we feel led to devote this time in our lives to continuing to serve the people of Indiana in some way.
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.
In every major decision in my life, I have learned to follow my heart, and my heart is in Indiana. Karen and I love this state: the highways and byways, the small towns and courthouse squares, the big cities and corn fields. We love the strong and good people of this state and feel a debt of gratitude to those who have sustained our work with their steadfast support and prayers.
After years of falling behind, Indiana is on the verge of an era of growth and opportunity like no other time in my life. Those of us who serve Indiana in Congress and in the Statehouse have a unique opportunity to advance the interests of Hoosiers. As Governor Daniels has rightly observed, there is important work to be done in Indianapolis and Washington, and it's time to focus on the task at hand.
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. After taking time to listen to Hoosiers, we will make a decision later this year about what role we will seek to play.
Public service requires humility, patience and discipline to pursue what matters most. To save this nation, men and women of integrity and insistent conservative vision must step forward and serve where they can make the most difference. While we may have been able to seek the presidency, we believe our best opportunity to continue to serve the conservative values that brought us to public life is right here in Indiana.
For now, permit us to simply say "thank you." In the wake of such encouragement, we have often thought to ask, "who am I, Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
Thanks to all those who took time to offer earnest counsel and advice.
Thanks to all who took time to express encouragement from across the state and across the country. And thank you for the prayers of so many faithful friends.
Indiana can lead the nation back to fiscal responsibility, reform and strong families. As we achieve an even better Indiana for our children and grandchildren, we will continue to be a model for a better and stronger America.
Sincerely,
Mike Pence
There are a couple of key things I note about this letter.
First, he is sure to mention Governor Daniels in this letter, and reiterates Mitch's statement about "important work to do in Washington and in Indianapolis". This, to me, shows two things. One, that Mitch fully expects a great Indiana Republican to over after him (which, Pence would fit the bill), and two, with Washington being mentioned, one would assume that Mitch is using this as an opening to run for President.
Second, by driving across the country and seeing what the people have to say (which will be a resounding Hell yeah) about his running, he's ensuring that he keeps this campaign grass roots.
My predictions: Pence will run for Governor, and will win, especially if the Democrats from Lake County try and run against him. Mitch might run for President yet...right now I put the odds at about 50%. I'm just not sure yet.
