Politics

Mike Pence Rules Out 2012 Presidential Bid

Mike Pence Rules Out 2012 Presidential Bid

Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.

Congressman Mike Pence, R-Ind., will not be pursuing the nation’s highest office in 2012 as some have speculated. Instead, the conservative Republican is soon expected to publicly declare his intentions to explore a campaign to be Indiana’s next governor.

In a letter to constituents Thursday, Pence and his wife Karen wrote, “In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana.”

“He is a realist and kept coming back to questions about the fund-raising,” an anonymous source close to the congressman told CNN Thursday. Additionally, another source said that advisers reminded Pence of the difficulty of mounting a successful presidential campaign from the House of Representatives. At age 51, they said, the Indiana Republican may have a better platform to explore a presidential run in the future if he was first elected governor, CNN reports.

Pence is wildly popular in his own congressional district, having secured re-election last November by more than a two-to-one margin of defeat over his Democratic challenger.

Indiana’s current governor, Republican Mitch Daniels, will be term-limited out of office in 2012 and many have also speculated that he may make a run for the GOP presidential nomination. Meanwhile, Daniels’ No. 2, Republican Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman announced last month that she would not run for governor, further opening the door for a potential Pence run.

Comments (94)

  • emertz8413
    Posted on January 28, 2011 at 8:01am

    Good for Indiana. Now I’m hoping Indiana and Ohio can work together to make this part of the country like Texas, without the boarder problems!!!

    Report Post »  
    • rfycom
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 11:02am

      You want your state to be like Texas?

      Report Post »  
  • curly1973
    Posted on January 28, 2011 at 7:10am

    thats sucks for this country..good for Indiana…

    Report Post »  
  • roughneck.seay
    Posted on January 28, 2011 at 3:38am

    I’m voteing for Ted Nugent! Or R. Lee Ermy! Gunny for prez!!! lol.

    Report Post » roughneck.seay  
  • Politicus
    Posted on January 28, 2011 at 12:13am

    Shut up W_J_B.

    Report Post » Politicus  
  • mistercondo
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:53pm

    He is just an empty suit.

    Report Post » mistercondo  
    • William_Jennings_Bryan
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:48pm

      I enjoy the show but Beck is giving you the answer but you still choose not to read and check the sources.
      If you believe Beck, Gold goes up.
      If you believe Soros, Gold goes up.
      Beck is teaching you to do your own research. If you have not come to this conclusion you are not listening.

      Report Post »  
  • skimmer57
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:45pm

    The Tea Party had their first caucus meeting today on the hill. Four Senators showed up.I think people are distancing themselves from tea party nation. I wonder why? Is Bachmann and Palin the best you can do? It is getting to be embarrassing don’t you think?

    Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:55pm

      Paul Ryan comes to mind…

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • flagbearer
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:28pm

      I believe only three congressmen were scheduled for the event. Snow kept a lot of people from traveling in VA to it. Sorry to burst your troll bubble.

      Report Post »  
  • csinnm
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:27pm

    I’m so disappointed – he was going to be the one I was going to watch most closely.

    Report Post »  
  • neverending
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:54pm

    Very sad news. Was so wishing he would throw his hat in the ring.

    Report Post »  
  • Suzanne Winter
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:35pm

    There’s still plenty of time for someone amazing to throw their hat into the ring. Who will be in the GOP queue? Who knows? Could be you.

    Former UN Ambassador John Bolton would be a superlative candidate.

    Report Post » Suzanne Winter  
  • Restored One
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:01pm

    I sure wish that someone from the GOP would come out and say they are going to run. I am tired of all of this tippy toe crap. Are there none that feel ready to commit to the challenge. All of the “Maybes”, “if no one else is worthy” yada yada yada. If someone would just say “Yes I am going to run” then I think the rest will come out too. We the public need to see what we are dealing with and get behind a few of these people. And for those Palin lovers, sorry, but she would set this surge way back.

    Report Post »  
    • Kurty C Wipe
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:06pm

      Agree with that one Restore

      Report Post » Kurty C Wipe  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:23pm

      still early yet. We will know my mid-late summer as we have always known by then.
      Patience young padawan! And may the force be with you!
      YES. I AM both a Marine and a Star Wars geek. Get over it.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
  • franknshadow
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:44pm

    Pence needs to be president… He knows what the job is, better yet, what the founders expected it to be.. He’s smart and articulate, and principled.. I would like to see him fix Indiana, and then see him go for the presidency.. He’d be bulletproof…

    Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
  • Diamond Girl
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:27pm

    Besides being heartbroken, he would have won.

    Hands down.

    Report Post » Diamond Girl  
  • Diamond Girl
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:25pm

    I’m heartbroken!

    Report Post » Diamond Girl  
  • troyvar
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:10pm

    Off Topic, but…
    They just pulled the plug on all social networks and the internet in Egypt… That’s the same power our POTUS is looking to gain. Scary times people.

    Report Post » troyvar  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:38pm

      Troy- I am sure Obama will get his wish on that matter,he is seeking to become another Chaves

      Report Post »  
  • Carl1
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:08pm

    Christie / Ryan Or visa versa

    Report Post » Carl1 Supports Israel  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:00pm

      Maybe so, buuuuut, we need to keep in mind that he has already said NO. We should not waste time on those that say NO. It only distracts us from our goal of electing a real Conservative to firmly plant in the White House!

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:18pm

      keep hermain Cain on your radar, and yes, i like Paul Ryan very much also. Christy would earn 15 of my votes (i’d just go to my local ACORN office and make THAT so) but it doesn’t look good for that to happen this time around.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:45pm

      *Herman Cain

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
  • Country
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:03pm

    I wanted Pence to run for Prez because I believed he was the only one that would be respected by both sides and the left or lame street media could not slam. I guess he did not have enough confidence in himself.

    Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:18pm

      To H*** with being popular with everyone. That kind of thinking is what has gotten us in the mess we are in today. We need someone that will do the right thing regardless of popularity or being a media darling. Reagan was the antithesis of your scenario…and LQQK what he did. McCain fit your model. What a joke. There are no men who fit the mold. Only the women are hinting at it.

      Report Post »  
    • Country
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:33pm

      I didn’t say anything about popularity. I am talking about respect. I believe Pence would have been the ONLY candidate that most Repubs and Tea Party folks would rally behind without all the attacks from the left.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:40pm

      Cobra Blue

      Amen brother!

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:55pm

      Country, the attacks from the left will come regardless who we on the right elect, so that shouldn’t even be part of the equation. Seriously, we could elect anyone that the right likes and the left will call them Hitler, Dahmer, etc. Which I guess is fair. I would never agree to anyone the left could ever come up with, they have an undeniable track record for us to point to, so I guess alls fair in love and war.

      Report Post »  
    • Country
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 5:51am

      Who do you suggest run againt Obama that will not be shedded by the Dems, the Liberal, Hollywood, the lame street media, talk TV, sports announcers, so-call comedians and Soros’ crew?

      Report Post »  
  • wodiej
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:56pm

    I am from Indiana and think he’ll make a great Governor. He should easily win. He will continue the fiscally frugal policies that Daniels enacted.

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:47pm

    As MISER says – this is a smart move. It would be nice to have a President that has administrative and leadership skills.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • Country
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:53pm

      Yeah, but will we still have a Country left after Pence is done being Gov?

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:15pm

      Agreed, COUNTRY, whole-heartedly. I don’t care so much about “decisionmaking” skills learned through experience if that one were a “born leader” like i believe Pence is. Besides, with his idaes and ideals, with the right group of advisors around him (and Herman Cain as his VP), I think he could turn this country 180 degrees and move us in the right direction. Which is to say, the OPPOSITE direction it is heading now.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
  • Miser
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:40pm

    Governor would be a smart move. Good place to show administrative skills. The State is where the People’s work should be done. This is vital experience. Look at the POTUS we have now. He went from the Senate to the White House. He has such good management skills he would screw up a Girl Scout cookie drive.

    Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:08pm

      HE ORGANISED COMMUNITIES, ISN’T THAT ENOUGH FOR YOU CONSERV-TARDS??
      lol

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
  • Country
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:37pm

    Well I guess that leaves Glenn Beck or Sarah Palin.

    Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:33pm

    Hope that there is no RINO involved in anyway with the top job.

    Report Post »  
    • the_ancient
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:50pm

      Keep Hoping…..

      I am predicting we get RINO in Chief Romney as the GOP Canidate

      I hope I am wrong, but …….

      and if that does Happen I propose that the GOP go from “Grand old Party” to “Government Option Party”

      Report Post » the_ancient  
    • 13thGenerationAmerican
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:56pm

      You will get Mitt and he will lose

      Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • IAmForLiberty
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:06pm

      Mitt Romney will make a great President. I hope he gets the opportunity to prove to you that he is very conservative.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:37pm

      the_ancient, if we see this start to happening early enough we could head it off, but timing will be key.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:49pm

      IAmForLiberty, his past has ruined that idea.

      We need a real Conservative, not a part-time Consrvative. In a different era Mitt may have been an ok choice, but this just ain’t the time for him. In fact, I think his time has past right by him.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:10pm

      I agree, 13th generation.
      Hold on, brb…just threw up a little in my mouth typing that…

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:50pm

      If a RHINO wins then there will be a third party for the 2014 midterms… the tea party is to intrenched to stand by…..and I will vote for them

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 12:01am

      Oil_Robb, if a RINO (Republican In Name Only ‘there is no H”) gets the nomination, Obama wins. This is a sad, sad, fact!

      Report Post »  
  • HillBillySam1
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:31pm

    I like Mike Pence (even though he is a Hoosier) but I am disgusted with the game of politics. Can’t we ever have someone to run for the Presidency because they love America and they have something to offer the citizens of our great nation? Instead, you have to run thru the “machinery” that dominates our politics. Both parties do it and it is sickening.

    Report Post »  
    • wodiej
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:54pm

      What do you have against Hoosiers?

      Report Post »  
    • ExpertShot
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:03pm

      Give Herman Cain a listen…he’s considering a run in 2012. He’s not a politician, but a very successful conservative businessman/talk show host in Atlanta. He’s heard nightly on http://www.wsbradio.com from 7-9pm. He also has an exploratory site http://www.hermancain.com. Get the word out about Herman….he would be AWESOME!!

      Report Post » ExpertShot  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:19pm

      That is why I am so hopeful that Mitt Romney wins the nomination. He has his own money and is not beholden to special interests. He had a meeting the other day with Gov. Christie and there could be a possible teaming for vp in the works here or an endorsement either way that would be huge for Mitt.

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:21pm

      That’s the way the game is played – I wish it weren’t but it is. He was the only Republican that I might have been able to support – too bad!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-xf

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:35pm

      missionarydad
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:19pm
      “That is why I am so hopeful that Mitt Romney wins the nomination.”

      With all due respect, please leave Mitt alone. He’s an ok guy, but he doesn’t have a chance of winning. What we need this time is an honest-to-goodness Conservative, not a part-time Conservative.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:38pm

      ExpertShot, agreed!

      Herman would be a far better candidate than Mitt.

      Report Post »  
    • kschmud
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:41pm

      I do not understand why Mitt Romney is so desirable…olympics (so what), romneycare speaks volumes…other than some business sense – what else?

      Report Post »  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:37pm

      @EXPERTSHOT
      I am a very big fan of Herman Cain. I have been very impressed with him since the first time that I heard him speak….on C-SPAN, of all things. I do hope that he makes a serious run for the Presidency. I would definitely support him. As for Romney, I agree that we need a “full-time” Conservative….not someone to “get along just to get along”. It is time that Conservatives draw a line in the sand and stand on their principles.

      @WALKWITHME
      I understand that it is the way that our politicians do business. I would just hope that their priorities could change so that their “business” would be “our business”. The only JOBS in America that they are concerned with is their own. This includes the “Party Elites”….the true powers behind the throne. Time to expose them and get them out of the way…..and only the American people can do that. These “King-makers” should be transparent and honest or find another line of work…..like taxidermy.

      @WODIEJ
      Hoosiers have been scientifically proven to be the single lowest form of life in the known galaxy. They stink. Their basketball programs REALLY stink! The only life-form that even remotely comes close to the nauseating, disgusting, revolting, flatulating Hoosier is the dreaded “Tennessee Volunteer”…..”Nothing SUCKS like a Big Orange!!”, I always say……GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!

       
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:50pm

      I think he wants to further serve his state, and make himself more qualified PERSONALLY (you know, getting executive experience before jumping into the top executive roll. Look how it’s NOT worked out for our current idiot-in-chief) before running for President. I think he wants to be as experienced as possible before taking the job, and I applaude him (sadly) for that. He is the least “cookie-cutter” minded elected official I have maybe ever seen, and I believe your attacks are unfounded in truth. Not to say reading the press release wouldn’t maybe make you believe it, and I’m not attacking you, I just believe you are wrong from my experience with researching this man.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:54pm

      Ok, HILLBILLY, you touched both ends of my emotional spectrum. I was born a Hoosier and raised in Georgia. SO as both a Hoosier AND a Bulldawg, I gotta say “screw you!“ and ”right on!!” in the same sentence.
      Meh.
      GOOOOOOOO DAWGS!! SICK ‘EM!!!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:59pm

      And agreed, Herman Cain is now my top choice by a LONG way (unless we can drag Christy from his governors mansion kicking and screaming into the nomination, and wouldn’t THAT ticket be tasty?). Everyone here PLEASE look up this man’s speaches! He is an absolute rock star! Romney, Palin and Bachman are at the bottom, right where McCain was 2 years ago (sigh)

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:33pm

      @ MY SACRED HONOR
      I do hope that Mike Pence furthers his career by running for govenor. There is the risk that being a govenor will damage him politically. Just like it did for Mitt Romney. The Progressives have their long-knives out for anyone who is a viable Conservative candidate for ANY political office…..especially the Presidency. We will see. Mr. Pence is a very intelligent and rational man(for a Hoosier), and I pray that he turns the tables on these Progressive jackals. We need principled Conservatives in positions of authority.

      On a more serious note, please except my heart-felt condolences for being born a Hoosier….I can only imagine your pain. Horrifying. I am glad to see that you have moved on with your life and now reside in a far more tranquil land….Georgia. I am a big Mark Richt fan. However, come Saturday, get ready for the biggest whuppin’ that them Bulldogs have EVER recieved!! Y’all got lucky three weeks ago…..now it is time for some proper retribution!!!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:46pm

      If Palin runs Obama wins…….shes great for the tea party but if her TV show did one thing for me was that it showed me shes uninspiring and un Presidential…she to dumb on the issues has no foreign affairs credibility and the ******** will run ads all day long about her quitting on Alaska. I like her but she doesnt have the goods to play on the Varsity team.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:57pm

      Oil_Robb, then you watched a totally different program than most people saw. If Sarah goes against Obama, HE IS TOAST!

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 12:15am

      Oh wait….you are talking basketball….lol…no, I am NOT gay, I was talking football. Although born a Hoosier, I have Georgia in my heart, and we have no idea (except that one year, not so long ago when UGA won the SEC tourney as a failing last seed and made a record winning two tourney games beating two opponents within 24 hours….) what “basketball’ is. Sorry, Blue, but long gone are the days of Tubby Smith. UK will have to battle Vandy for the “next to last’ spot in the SEC East spot (along with now pathetic UT) in football and hope for the best!
      And don’t be hating on Indiana, Big Blue. we still whoop you in state education, barely….
      But then what does it mean to be at the top 40 percentile worldwide, beating kentucky as top 39 percentile worldwide?

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
  • DagneyT
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:30pm

    A governorship will make him a more palatable candidate. Senators are not often successful in their bids. My favorite pairing is Jonathan Hunt & Herman Cain. Eminently electable!

    Report Post » DagneyT  
  • solaveritas
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:29pm

    Pence can do more for the “de-federalization” of the USA by being governor and guiding Indiana toward nullification of Obamacare.

    Report Post » solaveritas  
    • legendarytwo
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:43pm

      Yea, all these new republican governors need to get rid of the voter fraud in their state nowwwwww!

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 8:32pm

      legendarytwo
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:43pm
      Yea, all these new republican governors need to get rid of the “DEMOCRAT” voter fraud in their state nowwwwww!
      —————–
      Just fixed your post. Thank me later.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:00pm

      I think the reason he’s running for governor is to PROTECT his state! He might also feel he needs the experience of governing. Betcha that he’s on the ballot for POTUS in 2016. I hope so.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:29pm

    Pence won’t run, oh well, we still have the HOPE that he will CHANGE his mind. Maybe the Repubs can get him on the ballot in Chicago.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 7:31pm

      La di da.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • Kurty C Wipe
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:26pm

      IF this country has another election….Barry would say “52” to go.
      http://hillbuzz.org/2011/01/26/five-states-working-on-legislation-to-require-long-form-birth-certificate-for-candidate-to-be-on-presidential-ballot-in-2012/

      Report Post » Kurty C Wipe  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:44pm

      NOOO!!! Dammit…
      Well, I gotta go look for another choice then as he was hands down the most presidental and fundamentally sound conservative running. I live in his district, and he will do ANYTHING for his constituents. I know from family experience. He will win Indiana’a Gubanatorial race hands down, but I wish he and Herman Cain had been on our next ticket. Thos two sitting atop the Executive branch would rock this country right back to at least the Reagan years.

      Semper Fi and sad day for me. I need chocholate.

      Watch this vid of Mike Pence giving a speach at Hillsdale College. It will knock your socks off AND blow your hair back!
      http://www.thehotjoints.com/2010/09/27/video-mike-pence-speaks-at-hillsdale-college/

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • Showtime
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 9:57pm

      @MySacredHonor –
      Cralfap! (That’s like Ap-cray.) My feelings exactly! Man! — Was I ever disappointed to learn that Mike Pence wouldn’t run for POTUS! Took the red right off my apple!

      WSB-Radio (Atlanta) is now introducing Herman Cain for the Herman Cain Show as the next President of the United States. Herman Cain is one we can TRUST!

      And, SC Senator Jim DeMint is a conservative that we can trust, too.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:04pm

      @SHOWTIME my condolences, brother, sad day for all of America. But I disagree. I don’t trust DeMint. He seems like an old school POLITICIAN to me. Don’t know what it is yet, but i can’t WAIT for the debates to begin!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • beebacksoon
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:23pm

      I was hoping he would run for president, however, wish him well in any race he chooses.

      Report Post »  
    • William_Jennings_Bryan
      Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:46pm

      If you believe Beck, Gold goes up.
      If you believe Soros, Gold goes up.
      Beck is teaching you to do your own research. If you have not come to this conclusion you are not listening.

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 12:38am

      Dr. Ron Paul for 2012! He is the only one qualified for the position. Won’t you contact him today to persuade him to run again? What about a Dr. Ron Paul/Herman Cain ticket? Although we don’t seem to know too much about Mr. Cain yet.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • HighKick
      Posted on January 28, 2011 at 9:22am

      God, I love Governor Sarah Palin.
      She’s trustworthy, patriotic, a go getter and she’s gorgeous. She can handle a 12 gauge pump with double ought buckshot, I know, I seen her do it, fire three rounds at a grizzly bear target charging towards her and hit the heart area 3 times, all in 2.5 seconds, the time it would take a grizzly to reach her from 80 feet. I‘ll betcha Barack couldn’t do it, that sissy boy, panty wasted, skinny lawyer, who is destroying our Republic.

      Report Post »  

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