Barbour: Not Running for President

Misissippi Governor Haley Barbour (File/AP Photo)

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has announced in a written statement that he will not be running for the presidency, calling this a "difficult, personal decision."

"A candidate for president today is embracing a ten-year commitment to an all-consuming effort, to the virtual exclusion of all else," said Barbour. " 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."

Barbour thanked his supporters, "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."

"This decision means I will continue my job as Governor 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."

With Barbour bowing out political insiders and the chattering class have now turned their attention to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who is also considering a potential run and, like Barbour, said he would make a decision after his state's legislative season ended.