Haley Barbour, Chris Christie And Scott Walker Would Reported Back Mitch Daniels

An interesting development in the 2012 races. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels continues to flirt with running in 2012, and it appears as though if he gets into the campaign he’ll have the backing of some big Republican names.

INDIANAPOLIS — With 1,100 people chanting “Run Mitch, Run,” Gov. Mitch Daniels took the stage here Thursday night and did something he’s never done before: He introduced his wife Cheri, and then he turned the microphone over to her to address the sold-out crowd.

It was Cheri Daniels’ first-ever speech at a big political event in all the years she has been Indiana’s First Lady. And with speculation over whether her husband will enter the presidential race now at a fever-pitch, her mere presence at the podium for the annual state GOP dinner had everyone searching for clues and hidden meanings. The question was heard over and over: Did her willingness to step into the limelight after years as a reluctant First Lady mean she was on board with Daniels making a bid for the White House?

Daniels, who asked his wife to give the speech, didn’t rule it out.

“This whole business of running for national office–I’m not saying I won’t do it,” he said, triggering loud applause. …

Reflecting what many observers see as weak Republican field, the pressure on Daniels to run has been intense. He has been assured backing from big-money donors who supported George W. Bush, in addition to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, as well as top sitting Republican governors.

Sources tell CBS News popular New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has told Daniels he would back him, as would Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Here’s video of Daniels talking about the potential for a campaign:

The biggest knock on Mitch Daniels seems to be his controversial call last year for a “truce” on social issues. A lot of social conservatives took that to mean giving up on issues like abortion. I took it to mean more a re-prioritizing of issues. We’re in a national fiscal crisis right now. Like it or not, whether gays are allowed to marry takes a backseat.

I haven’t quite put together my calculus on Daniels just yet, but in a field where someone like Donald Trump is being considered a serious candidate, a serious-minded candidate with the sort of backing Daniels can apparently muster may come as a breath of fresh air to a lot of Republicans.
Fun fact: Daniels’ wife Cheri refers to herself as an “honorary Hooters girl.”

President 2012: Haley Barbour is OUT – Is Mitch Daniels IN?

Governor Haley and Marsha Barbour – Governor Mitch and Cheri Daniels

Republican Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has withdrawn from an exploratory campaign for the Presidency. His statement is here.

“I will not be a candidate for president next year. This has been a difficult, personal decision, and I am very grateful to my family for their total support of my going forward, had that been what I decided. 

“Hundreds of people have encouraged me to run and offered both to give and raise money for a presidential campaign.  Many volunteers have organized events in support of my pursuing the race.  Some have dedicated virtually full time to setting up preliminary organizations in critical, early states and to helping plan what has been several months of intensive activity.
“I greatly appreciate each and every one of them and all their outstanding efforts.  If I have disappointed any of them in this decision, I sincerely regret it.

“A candidate for president today is embracing a ten-year commitment to an all-consuming effort, to the virtual exclusion of all else.  His (or her) supporters expect and deserve no less than absolute fire in the belly from their candidate.  I cannot offer that with certainty, and total certainty is required.

“This decision means I will continue my job as Governor of Mississippi, my role in the Republican Governors Association and my efforts to elect a new Republican president in 2012, as the stakes for the nation require that effort to be successful.”

Haley Barbour has not been polling particularly well and as a Republican operative of the highest order can read the handwriting on the wall. But, now does this open the path for Barbour’s good personal friend Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to run?

Daniels has kept his decision close to the vest and will not announce one way or another until the Indiana Legislative session is over. The session ends this Friday. And, as Daniels has said, “It’s time to cut bait.”
So, is this a convenient withdrawal?
Stay tuned…..

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