Mitch Daniels Says He's a No Go for 2012

Below are two statements from Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and obtained by Fox News. The first was a message sent overnight to his supporters and second is one that was first published by the Indianapolis Star:

"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."

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"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."