Daniels: I Coulda Won Vs. Obama

Wife Cheri simply didn't want the scrutiny, insiders say

(NEWSER) - When Mitch Daniels asked his wife Cheri to deliver the keynote at the Indiana GOP’s spring dinner earlier this month, sources say it was partially an attempt to show her how well-received she would be when she entered the spotlight. But it didn’t work; as we learned yesterday, she and her four grown daughters exercised their family veto power and nixed a Daniels 2012 run. Insiders say Cheri simply couldn’t come to terms with the scrutiny of her marriage and mothering; she and Mitch divorced in 1993 and remarried in 1997—and Cheri married another man in California in the years between. More»

Republicans look for an alternative

(NEWSER) - Now that Mitch Daniels is officially out of the 2012 race, many Republicans are scanning the field to find another suitable alternative to Mitt Romney. Politico looks at the possibilities:

• Jeb Bush and Chris Christie: Though they have both flatly said they won’t run, donors and operatives are likely to take another shot at convincing them. Bush, however, will almost certainly continue to decline. Christie, on the other hand—though he’s joked that he might commit suicide to convince people he’s not running—may find that 2012 is his best shot at the presidency. Currently in his second full year as New Jersey governor, he faces a possibly difficult 2013 reelection.

Indiana governor says wife, daughter nixed presidential run

(NEWSER) - Republicans looking to Mitch Daniels to jump into the 2012 race and be their rock star have their answer: No thanks. “I will not be a candidate,” Daniels said in a statement given to the Indianapolis Star late last night that said his wife and daughters nixed a run. "On matters affecting us all, our family constitution gives a veto to the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision,” Daniels said. “Simply put, I find myself caught between two duties. I love my country; I love my family more." More»

Republicans see Indiana governor as their 'savior' in 2012: Politico

(NEWSER) - When it comes to the 2012 presidential election, Republicans are “depressed,” says one integral GOP member. Lobbyists tell Politico that instead of asking, “Who do you like?” they ask each other, “Who do we back?” Top Republicans, in fact, believe President Obama will be reelected if no stronger candidates emerge, leading some to plead with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to enter the race. (Notes Mike Allen on Politico: “It’s a sign of the GOP’s straits that the party is depending on the bland, wonkish Daniels for an adrenaline boost.”) More»

Surprise departure lucky for Huckabee

(NEWSER) - Haley Barbour's surprise exit from the field of Republican contenders for 2012 has shaken up the race before it even officially began, notes Aaron Blake at the Washington Post . Some likely effects of the Mississippian's departure:

• The way is clear for Mitch Daniels. Barbour and Daniels are old friends who have said they didn't want to compete against each other. If the Indiana governor has presidential ambitions, his decision on whether to run or not just got a lot easier.