E-MAIL/Facebook posting from Rep. Mike Pence
Jan. 27, 2011

I will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012...

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



A Reaction: Jan. 27, 2011 PRESS RELEASE from Richard Viguerie

 Richard Viguerie:  We’re Still Behind You, Mike Pence

(Manassas, Virginia)  The following is a statement from Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the announcement that Congressman Mike Pence will not run for president in the 2012 election:

“Conservatives and Tea Partiers have been looking for a top-tier conservative leader to get our country back on track and hopefully become the next President of the United States. We felt we had found that leader in Rep. Mike Pence, but his announcement that he will not run for the White House means we’ll have to look for someone just as principled to challenge President Obama next year.

“While those of us who supported, and were looking forward to, a Pence for President campaign are disappointed, we can understand Congressman Pence’s decision and will continue to support his strong conservative leadership.

“I hope Mr. Pence will continue to serve the American people and become the next governor of his state of Indiana. 

“Mike Pence has a bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing his commitment to the principles of constitutional, conservative values help right the wayward course that America has been put on by big government Republicans and Democrats.

“Good luck, Mike Pence.”

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