WASHINGTON – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels told his supporters yesterday that he had decided not to seek the Republican presidential nomination because of family considerations.
In an e-mail sent by Eric Holcomb, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party and a close adviser to the governor, Mr Daniels said:
“The counsel and encouragement I received from important citizens like you caused me to think very deeply about becoming a national candidate, Mr Daniels said .
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, he said. If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry.
Mr Daniels, a budget director in the administration of Republican president George W Bush, had built a reputation as dedicated to reducing US debt and deficits, calling them the red menace that threatened to engulf the country.
His decision not to run removes a Republican heavyweight from a field that many political analysts view as weak.
It may also enhance Mitt Romneys chances of becoming the Republican front-runner.
Mr Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, has been leading some early polls.
– (Reuters)