Mike Pence Stepping Down From GOP House Leadership Post
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WASHINGTON — A top House Republican who's been considering a possible bid for the White House announced Wednesday that he's stepping down from the House GOP leadership team.
Indiana Rep. Mike Pence – who's made multiple trips to states that host early presidential primary contests – alluded to a potential presidential or gubernatorial bid in a statement he issued to his colleagues announcing he will step down as GOP conference chairman.
Pence was recruited for the leadership post two years ago by Speaker-to-be John Boehner, R-Ohio. Reps. Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Michele Bachmann of Minnesota immediately announced bids for the post, and others, such as Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, are weighing the idea.
Pence said he's considering "new opportunities to serve Indiana and our nation in the years ahead," adding: "I have come to realize that it may not be possible to complete an entire term as conference chairman. As such, I think it would be more appropriate for me to step aside now."
The conference chair position is the No. 3 GOP leadership slot but would become the No. 4 GOP post when Republicans take over in January.
Pence is a darling of social conservatives, strongly in favor of tax cuts and a streamlined federal government and strongly opposed to abortion and gay marriage.
"We must never compromise on our commitment to end this era of runaway federal spending, borrowing, bailouts, deficits and debt," Pence said. "We must never shrink from our stand for a strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and traditional moral values."
In September, Pence won a presidential straw poll at a "values voter" summit in Washington. He's made political trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, all of which host critical early presidential contests.
Another option would be to run for governor when GOP Gov. Mitch Daniels' term expires in 2012.
The six-term lawmaker is a former talk radio host and lists President Ronald Reagan as his hero.
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ANDREW TAYLOR 11/ 3/10 06:07 PM ET Associated Press