“I will not be a candidate,” Daniels said in a statement given exclusively late Saturday to The Indianapolis Star. Governor Daniels is regarded as an evangelical Christian, a Presbyterian. He walked into a buzz-saw with many conservatives when he said that to win in 2012 the GOP nominee should call for a “truce” on the social issues (i.e., abortion, gay marriage), in order to secure the support of a broad coalition (on a campaign centered on the national debt/spending/economic woes). That said, Governor Daniels’ actual record on social issues as governor of Indiana has been solidly and unquestionably conservative.
Gov. Daniels was divorced in 1993 by his wife Cheri. She later married a California physician before divorcing again and remarrying Daniels in 1997.
Ultimately, Daniels chose not to run because his wife and children were opposed. With his wonkish charm, Daniel said:
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.
I think Mark Lubbers, a long-time associate and adviser to Daniels, summed it up poignantly:
“I think it’s fabulously ironic that the candidate criticized by the family values caucus has made a decision based 100 percent on family values,” Lubbers said.
Another advisor, Holcomb, said, the nation “will miss a unique talent that blends an ability to connect with voters at the retail level with a wonkish ability to work on detailed policies.”
In my view, that blend is precisely what the successful GOP candidate must possess. Best wishes to Gov. Daniels and his family. Their gain is our loss.