Pence: No presidential bid in 2012

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Pence said Thursday he won't run for president in 2012, but he didn't rule out a run for governor of Indiana.

"In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana," Pence said of his family in a letter sent to supporters, The Indianapolis Star reported. "We will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012. … I have learned to follow my heart, and my heart is in Indiana."

Given Pence's pass on a White House bid and his refusal of a leadership position after the November elections that would have made him the No. 4 Republican in the House, it's highly likely his eye is on the governor's mansion, the Star said.

Pence, 51, said in the letter his "calling is closer to home" and he plans to travel "across the state to listen and learn about how Hoosiers think we might best contribute in the years ahead."

He already is considered the front-runner for the GOP nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Mitch Daniels, who many speculate will throw his hat into the presidential ring in the coming months.