Indiana Rep. Pence pushed to seek higher office

Indiana Rep. Mike Pence (R) said he's being pushed to run for governor in 2012, but also won't discount a White House bid.

"We've gotten encouragement to run for governor in 2012," Pence told U.S. News and World Report. "We've also gotten more than a little bit of encouragement to consider running for president."

Pence stepped down as GOP conference chairman after the midterm elections, which fueled speculation his ambition had expanded beyond the House.

Outgoing Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) has ruled himself out of another gubernatorial run, which could open the door for Pence to seize the state's top job. Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) is term limited and can't seek reelection in 2012.

Daniels, who is also considered a contender for the GOP 2012 presidential nod, has pushed for Republicans to declare a truce on social issues. Pence said he doesn't support the idea.

"To those who say we should simply focus on fiscal issues, I say you would not be able to print enough money in 1,000 years to pay for the government you would need if the traditional family collapses," said Pence.