Mitch Daniels Opens 2012 Presidential Bid Door

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says he's keeping the door open to a possible 2012 presidential run — but just a crack.

The Republican told The Washington Post over the weekend that he's spoken with former President George W. Bush and others in recent months and has agreed to keep an open mind about the idea.

But the two-term governor told The Journal-Gazette of Fort Wayne on Monday that his focus is on Indiana for the next 18 months.

Daniels would be a dark horse in any presidential bid. He does, however, have the early support of numerous influential Republicans who have urged him to consider making the race.

Daniels is widely regarded as a brilliant administrator whose record as governor of Indiana deserves a national spotlight.

Daniels is the former CEO of the Hudson Institute and President of Eli Lilly and Company's North American Pharmaceutical Operations. He also served as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Lugar, Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush.

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