Monday, December 20, 2010

Skillman Rules Out Run For Governor

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman surprises observers with an announcement today she will not be a candidate for governor in 2012. Her announcement hints "minor health issues" detected during a recent medical examination may have played a role in her decision. WRTV reports:

In a written statement released at about 11:30 a.m., Skillman revealed that her end of year physical exam uncovered “minor health issues,” but did not elaborate on what those issues are.


“Nothing will interfere with my devotion to my duties as lieutenant governor, and I plan to continue the same pace as always,” Skillman said. “However, it is best to continue without the additional stress of a gubernatorial campaign.”

Skillman has served as lieutenant governor for six years under Gov. Mitch Daniels. She began her political career in 1976.

"Indiana has never had a better lieutenant governor than Becky Skillman," Daniels said in a statement released just after noon.
Many observers believe U.S. Rep. Mike Pence will opt to run for governor and forgo a run for president.  If Pence decides against running, the field would appear to be wide open on both the Republican and Democratic sides after Sen. Evan Bayh recently announced he, too, would not run for the office in 2012.

4 comments:

indyernie said...

If Pence passes Evan will enter the race.
That's the only way he would run...if he has no big named challenger and feels as though it would be a slam dunk.

Cato said...

Bull. Mitch told her the party was going a different way and that she wasn't going to be the next Sarah Palin.

Gary R. Welsh said...

I take Evan at his word that he's bowing out of politics for now. I don't think he was afraid of Pence. I really don't think he wife wanted to move back to Indiana.

Unigov said...

Skillman is unelectable...when she speaks, it sounds like she's on thorazine. It's Pence's for the taking.