Gov. Mitch Daniels' Announcement that He Will Not Run for President

Email to supporters (from Americans for Mitch)
12:49 a.m. Sunday May 22, 2011

“I hope this reaches you before the public news does.  If so, please respect my confidence for the short time until I can make it known to all.

The counsel and encouragement I received from important citizens like you caused me to think very deeply about becoming a national candidate.  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.  If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry.  If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise.  I only hope that you will accept my sincerity in the judgment I reached.

Many thanks for your help and input during this period of reflection.  Please stay in touch if you see ways in which an obscure Midwestern governor might make a constructive contribution to the rebuilding of our economy and our Republic.” – My Man Mitch


Official Statement (posted on the Indy Star website at 2:00 a.m.)

Over the last year and a half, a large and diverse group of people have suggested to me an idea that I never otherwise would have considered, that I run for President. I’ve asked for time to think it over carefully, but these good people have been very patient and I owe them an answer.

The answer is that I will not be a candidate. What could have been a complicated decision was in the end very simple: on matters affecting us all, our family constitution gives a veto to the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision. Simply put, I find myself caught between two duties. I love my country; I love my family more.

I am deeply concerned, for the first time in my life, about the future of our Republic. In the next few years Americans will decide two basic sets of questions: Who’s in charge here? Should the public sector protect and promote the private sector or dominate and direct it? Does the government work for the people or vice versa?

And, are we Americans still the kind of people who can successfully govern ourselves, discipline ourselves financially, put the future and our children’s interests ahead of the present and our own?
 
I am confident that the answers will reaffirm the liberty and vitality of our nation, and hope to play some small part in proving that view true.
Reactions
rec'd 8:36 a.m.

Indiana Democrats respond to announcement that Mitch Daniels will not run for President next year

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker issued the following statement in response to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ announcement this morning that he will not seek the presidential nomination next year:

“We’ve disagreed with Mitch Daniels myriad times, but there’s no doubt that his decision not to enter this race is a loss for Republicans. Daniels would have brought a serious tone to a GOP field that’s thus far been characterized by silliness and distraction.”

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rec'd 10:20 a.m.

Statement by Gov. Pawlenty on Gov. Daniels’ Announcement

"Mitch Daniels is a friend of mine and one of the best governors in the country. While he may not be running, he is an intellectual powerhouse and will continue to play a leading role in the Party's politics and the Nation's policies. Mitch and I agree that America's out-of-control national debt is a threat to our nation's future, and that the next president must restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, DC. Mary and I wish Cheri and Mitch all the best."
 
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rec'd 10:30 a.m.
Gingrich: Daniels is a Remarkable Innovator
Hopes the Governor Remains in Public Service

Washington, DC – Newt Gingrich released the following comment today reacting to the news Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will not run for the GOP nomination in 2012: 
 
"Mitch Daniels is a great Governor and a remarkable innovator. Mitch has brought successful reforms to Indiana that should be replicated across the country and in Washington.   He will continue to be an important leader in solving America’s problems.  I hope he remains in public service."

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rec'd 11:17 a.m.

Jon Huntsman Today Issued The Following Statement On Mitch Daniels:

“Mitch Daniels will be missed in this presidential debate, but his message about the most immediate threat facing our nation – the massive debt - will not go unheard. Our country owes Gov. Daniels unending gratitude for his service, and the steadfast manner in which he's shined a light on the crippling debt that we will leave behind for future generations if it's not addressed.   Having been elected the same year, I can attest that Mitch has been a tremendous governor and I have learned a lot from his leadership.  I look forward to working with him to promote long-term solutions to our nations problems as well as continuing a valued friendship.”