Mitch Daniels cautious about presidential run

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-Ind.) suggested Tuesday he might not seek the 2012 Republican nomination for president.

Daniels, whose name regularly appears on shortlists for the GOP nod, said that he is only considering running.

"I wouldn't hold your breath for that," the Northwest Times of Indiana reported him saying. "A lot of people have asked me to think about it, so we will."

In the same interview, though, Daniels showed more than a little willingness to criticize the Obama administration.

"This administration, it's almost like they were on a mission to kill the private sector," Daniels said.

But Daniels's feelings toward the White House were not entirely negative either, perhaps another sign that he is hesitant about challenging President Obama. On the recent appointment of JPMorgan Chase executive William Daley as new White House chief of staff, Daniels said Obama made a good choice.

"I know his reputation well and he's a very well-balanced, responsible fellow," Daniels, the former director of the Office of Management and Budget, said.

Daniels is one of a number of Republican governors who have shown some interest in running for president. Other names include former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.), former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.),  former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska), and Gov. Haley Barbour (Miss.).