UPDATE, 7:57 PM: Mike Pence announced to his supporters via Facebook that he will not run for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012:
Friends and Supporters,
Over the past few months, my family and I have been grateful for the encouragement we have received to consider other opportunities to serve our state and our nation in the years ahead.
We have been especially humbled by the confidence and support of those who believe we should pursue the presidency, but after much deliberation and prayer, we believe our calling is closer to home.
The highest office I will ever hold is husband and father. As a family, we feel led to devote this time in our lives to continuing to serve the people of Indiana in some way.
In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana. We will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.
In every major decision in my life, I have learned to follow my heart, and my heart is in Indiana. Karen and I love this state: the highways and byways, the small towns and courthouse squares, the big cities and corn fields. We love the strong and good people of this state and feel a debt of gratitude to those who have sustained our work with their steadfast support and prayers.
After years of falling behind, Indiana is on the verge of an era of growth and opportunity like no other time in my life. Those of us who serve Indiana in Congress and in the Statehouse have a unique opportunity to advance the interests of Hoosiers. As Governor Daniels has rightly observed, there is important work to be done in Indianapolis and Washington, and it's time to focus on the task at hand.
In the months ahead, as we attend to our duties in Congress, we will also be traveling across the state to listen and learn about how Hoosiers think we might best contribute in the years ahead. After taking time to listen to Hoosiers, we will make a decision later this year about what role we will seek to play.
Public service requires humility, patience and discipline to pursue what matters most. To save this nation, men and women of integrity and insistent conservative vision must step forward and serve where they can make the most difference. While we may have been able to seek the presidency, we believe our best opportunity to continue to serve the conservative values that brought us to public life is right here in Indiana.
For now, permit us to simply say "thank you." In the wake of such encouragement, we have often thought to ask, "who am I, Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
Thanks to all those who took time to offer earnest counsel and advice.
Thanks to all who took time to express encouragement from across the state and across the country. And thank you for the prayers of so many faithful friends.Indiana can lead the nation back to fiscal responsibility, reform and strong families. As we achieve an even better Indiana for our children and grandchildren, we will continue to be a model for a better and stronger America.
Sincerely,
Mike Pence
Columbus, Indiana
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EARLIER:
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), a conservative military hawk known for touting his Christian cred, plans to announce how he will direct his political future on Friday, the congressman's mother tells the National Journal.
Nancy Pence Fritsch was tight-lipped when asked by the outlet whether her son intends to run for president, or alternatively for governor of Indiana. She also declined to reveal further details on the nature of what he would say or where he would make his decision known.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported:
Now, Mr. Pence has a decision to make: While he says he is seriously weighing a run for the White House, many signs point to him running for Indiana governor in 2012 instead. No one else mulling a presidential run faces a similar quandary
Pence came out on top of other potential GOP presidential contenders in a straw poll conducted at the annual Values Voter Summit last year. The AP reported at the time:
Pence was the top choice for president with 24 percent of the vote.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, received 22 percent, followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Palin.
Palin was given the honors for vice president. She came in second behind Pence, who also topped that category.
The AP reported more recently:
Pence, of Indiana, stepped down from his post in the House Republican leadership. He has considered a White House run or perhaps a campaign for governor. One of his party's strongest advocates for conservative policies, Pence is among the GOP's most outspoken critics of President Barack Obama.
Pence's mother did not specify what time or where the announcement will occur.
UPDATE:
Politico reports that Pence is expected to announce whether he will run for president in the next election cycle on Thursday. According to an aide, the Republican congressman's decision will be first released in the Indianapolis Star.
UPDATE 4:07 p.m. ET:
The Star reports:
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence will reveal his decision on whether to run for the presidency or for governor of Indiana in an interview later today.
The news will be posted on IndyStar.com after 7 p.m. [local time].
UPDATE 4:24 p.m. ET:
Howey Politics Indiana reports:
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence has ruled out a run for national office and will tour the state in the next few months, informed and reliable sources tell Howey Politics Indiana.
According to the local outlet, the Republican lawmaker has not yet decided on whether he will launch a gubernatorial bid. By making no formal commitment, he maintains the option of running to keep his congressional seat.
UPDATE 5:09 p.m. ET:
The Louisville Courier-Journal reports:
"In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana," Pence, R-Columbus, said of himself and wife Karen in a letter being sent to supporters. "We will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012."
He said he would make a decision "later this year" about what his next political step is, but by not running for president it is considered a virtual certainty that he will run for the GOP nomination for governor.
The Courier-Journal notes that it appears unlikely that Pence will run to keep his congressional seat, though the option remains on the table.