WASHINGTON (AP) — A top House Republican who‘s been considering a possible bid for the White House announced Wednesday that he’s stepping down from the House GOP leadership team.
Indiana Rep. Mike Pence — who’s made multiple trips to states that host early presidential primary contests — alluded to a potential presidential bid in a statement he issued to his colleagues announcing he will step down as GOP conference chairman.
Pence said he’s considering “new opportunities to serve Indiana and our nation in the years ahead,” adding, “I have come to realize that it may not be possible to complete an entire term as Conference Chairman. As such, I think it would be more appropriate for me to step aside now.”
The conference chair position is currently the No. 3 GOP leadership slot but would become the No. 4 GOP post when Republicans take over in January.
Pence is a darling of social conservatives and has made political trips to states such as Iowa that host early GOP presidential contests. He is also strongly in favor of tax cuts and a streamlined federal government and is a strong opponent of abortion and gay marriage.
“We must never compromise on our commitment to end this era of runaway federal spending, borrowing, bailouts, deficits and debt,” Pence said. “We must never shrink from our stand for a strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and traditional moral values.”
In September, Pence won a presidential straw poll at a “values voter” summit in Washington. He’s made political trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, all of which host critical early presidential contests.
The six-term lawmaker is a former talk radio host and lists President Ronald Reagan as his hero.
Pence was recruited for the leadership post two years ago by Speaker-to-be John Boehner, R-Ohio. Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas immediately announced he would seek the post, and others, such as Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, are weighing bids.
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roderage
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 5:35pmBeen watching Pence for quite some time now and am very impressed with his conservative views. He also projects himself well when speaking. Much better choice than a RINO like Pawlenty.l
Report Post »capitalismrocks
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:35pmPense is a good first pick for possible 2012 president candidates… the tired old lot of McCain, Huckabee, and all of the other 2008 tired old GOP’ers need to move out of the way, none of them are viable candidates whatsoever for a 2012 run.
Report Post »hikinggussie
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:22pmPence/Christie 2012 or Pence/ Paul Ryan 2012
Report Post »DJR
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 3:14pmI think he’s someone more than Republicans could get behind. Unless he‘s got some deep dark secret that hasn’t been revealed yet, he’d get my vote. The general public isn’t ready for Sarah Palin in the White House, the election would just get more nasty than the last one and the real issues would be lost in the controversy. I really like the idea of Mike Pence running.
Report Post »Ilovetea
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 3:06pmRead the speech, it says so much about his intellect and belief in the American People.. We want our states back, we want our right to self govern back
http://www.hillsdale.edu/news/imprimis.asp
Report Post »KyTrish56
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 3:03pmMike Pence is an honest and good politician. When I lived in Indiana I voted for Mr Pence and he cared about the people in his district and his state. I wish him the best in his future plans.
Report Post »mbfrat
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 2:59pmHe’s got my vote!
Report Post »911Patriot
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:54pmPence/West 2012! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:45pmWe have so many communists to sweep from office. We are going to need another 4 years just to delouse the legislature. The executive branch has been infested for decades and many cabinet positions are compromised by communist staff. The Executive Branch not only needs a new President, that President needs to clean out the mess.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:30pmCongressman Pence is one of the most decent, honest man that loves the his Country and everything the founding fathers stood for. You won’t find a yellow streak down his back, you won’t find stupid, silly one liners and I doubt you well see him on et, leno, letterman or any of the other disgusting breathing things. GO MIKE GO – we need you and Cristie you too.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:03pmI like what he has to say… need to know more. My vote has become like gold to me & I will not squander it.
Report Post »hikinggussie
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:22pmas a Hoosier, I can vouch – he’s a great candidate. No arrogance and pretense. I am glad he is considering this, we are blessed as a nation if he runs.
Report Post »Slevdog1
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:01pmCould be a dark horse for the nomination, I think he has officially put his hat in the ring……………
Report Post »neverending
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:26pmI certainly hope so – we need him and many more just like him
Report Post »2gether
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:54pmI figured it wouldn’t be long before the chess game began. I like the man so far, but I need much more information. He certainly has the charisma factor but as we have discovered. Being charismatic doesn’t necessarily qualify you to be leader of a nation.
Report Post »computerdweller
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 3:41pmMaybe you should read the link johnfourteensix posted above. He truly understands what a presidency should be about. He gave just that lecture at Hillsdale.
Report Post »hikinggussie
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:20pmI have a friend who traveled with him on his campaign bus recently. Mr. Pence is a real statesman. He is incredible. A “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”
Report Post »mickgoblin
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:51pmI think Thume is the only republican that can beat obama.
Report Post »back2americasroots
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:42pmI think my dog could beat Obama at this point
Report Post »hikinggussie
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:19pmI don’t think BHO will be hard to beat. It’s a lot different now than it was 2 years ago. Thankfully
Report Post »mimitweetin
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:50pmGo Mike, If you run and win the Nomination you can count on my vote!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:25pmand ours too!
Report Post »Sky0bserv3r
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:50pmGood Luck to him! I think I will take a closer look at him.
Report Post »JohnFourteenSix
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:27pmHere is a recent speech from Mike Pence you may want to read. The Presidency and the Constitution
Report Post »http://www.hillsdale.edu/news/imprimis.asp
Ilovetea
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 3:03pm@ John14 — I clicked your link and read the article. I think that it may go down as the greatest speech in history once people started reading this. This will get around in part because of you, and this man will be our next president. I think if you look hard enough at what he says and the mindset of awareness that is current right now, he is the answer to Glenn Beck’s and my prayers. MIKE PENCE FOR PRESIDENT.
Report Post »theninthplanet
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:49pmHmmm. As an Indiana Resident, if I had to vote for Rep. Mike Pence or Gov. Mitch Daniels, I’d have a very tough time choosing.
Meh.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:33pmTime alone shall reveal what is to happen.
Report Post »Breaker 19
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:53pmVery true ancient one – may fleas lay eggs in the crouch of your enemies and their arms be shortened!
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 2:11pmLook at a picture of Mike Pence and George Washington. Hmm… curious.
hikinggussie
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:16pmyes, as a fellow Hoosier, I like them both. They both would be such an asset to the nation.
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