Gov. Daniels won’t run: ‘I love my country; I love my family more’

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has opted not to run for president, citing the concerns of his family as the reason he’s passing on a chance to claim the Oval Office.

Daniels, a two-term governor, was considered a top prospect of the GOP, and he was being urged to run by top members of his party. But in the end, he decided to sit out 2012, when Republicans are faced with the formidable task of unseating President Obama.

“I will not be a candidate,” Daniels said in a statement to the Indianapolis Star. “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.”

Daniels had long let it be known that his wife, Cheri, and their four daughters held veto power over any decision he’d make about 2012. But observers speculated that the first lady had given him the green light after she stepped on stage at a party fundraiser earlier this month in Indianapolis. That ultimately proved a false dawn for those urging Daniels to run.

Daniels sent a midnight email to supporters telling them about his decision and thanking them for their input.

“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,” Daniels wrote in the email. “If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise.”

Daniels was thought to have been able to capture the middle of the primary electorate, a strategy adopted successfully by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008. But he would have faced serious opposition from social conservatives, who have never forgiven him for calling for a “truce” on their issues while the economy remained in the doldrums.

Indiana Democratic Chairman Dan Parker called Daniels’s decision a loss for the GOP.

“Daniels would have brought a serious tone to a GOP field that’s thus far been characterized by silliness and distraction,” he said in a statement.

The governor’s decision not to jump into the race leaves the Republican field wide open. 

Big name players like former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) are declared candidates but have gotten off to bumpy starts.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will officially announce his presidential campaign on Monday in Iowa. Herman Cain, a businessman and conservative radio talk show host, announced Saturday that he is in, too.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and real estate mogul Donald Trump have all opted out in recent weeks.

Other marquee names, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, haven’t announced their intentions yet.