Mitch Daniels, well-documented fiscal conservative and darling of the Tea Party, has decided not to run for President in 2012.
He would have been a worthy candidate. Disciplined, consistent, well-spoken of, this Hoosier-Governor turned a massive budget deficit in his native state into a stable surplus. He championed privatizing measures, cut spending for socially immoral programs, and ingratiated himself to people of all persuasions throughout the state.
He was a straight talker, too, acknowledge the priority of this nation's fiscal woes enough to request a "moratorium on social issues." That was a necessary move, a moment of frank boldness which may ultimately have decided him against running.
Notwithstanding apparent factors, Daniels conceded publicly that he did not want the pressures of a nation-wide campaign to impinge on his family: a responsible, socially conservative stance.
His example as a man and statesman noteworthy, even though the country as a whole will not have the privilege of witnessing his leadership skills in action.