Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Chooses Purdue over Politics

Mitch Daniels at a 2009
motorcycle event
(photo from Indiana governor's office)

In a quietly reported story, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels has accepted an offer to become president. However, the presidency Daniels agreed to belongs to a university rather than the highest office in the land. Daniels' deal with Purdue University was reported in today's online editions of the Chicago Tribune, although an Indiana newspapers and a Hoosier television station noted the news earlier.

This is a pretty big deal. Not so long ago, Daniels was getting serious consideration for the office currently held by Barack Obama. The Indiana governor seemed to have political gravitas, a sense of articulate policy vision, and brains. He offered a rebuttal to one of Obama's State of the Union addresses. However, Daniels' steps toward a presidential run seemed tentative. Perhaps something inside him just said "no."

Sometimes, it's a good idea to listen to one's inner voice. Daniels, along with other smart money Republicans, got out of the presidential race very early in the process. We will probably never know the real reasons for Daniels' separation from his ambitions for high office. However, it is fair to say the Indiana governor's decision was an unfortunate development for the GOP, as Daniels would have been an interesting VP choice.

For those voters trying to get their arms around the notion of a Romney presidency, take a moment to wonder why a conservative governor, from a conservative state, would not participate in a presidential election in which a conservative ticket has a puncher's chance of winning.