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