Path Clears for Pence to Run For Indiana Governor

Governor Pence?

Sometimes everything just falls into place and an election becomes a fait acompli.

Just ask the former Junior Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama.

A similar celestial alignment appears to be occurring for Indiana Rep. Mike Pence.

But not for a White House bid, as it was for Obama.

Rather, the door to the Indiana Governor’s mansion seems to be wide open if the Republican wants to walk through it.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said Monday that she will not run for governor in 2012, leaving a opening that many expect will now be filled by Rep. Mike Pence.

The Republican congressman has been eyeing a presidential campaign, but sources in Indiana are now expecting him to run for governor.  Skillman’s exit this morning makes that campaign look even more likely.

A pretty clear path the the governor’s mansion could prove enticing for the state’s rising GOP star. Pence turned 51 years old in June, meaning he has plenty of time to build toward a national campaign.

“Lots of moves and more than idle chit-chat lead me to say with confidence he’s running for governor,” said one Republican insider.

Though many in Washington see a national campaign in Pence’s future, Republicans in Indiana think a governor run just got more likely.

With Skillman out of the equation and the big name on the Democratic side (Bayh) also out, attention will now turn to Pence, who is looking to step up in some fashion after leaving House GOP leadership this year.

Skillman became the latest big name to say no to the job. Already, outgoing Sen. Evan Bayh (D) and outgoing Rep. Baron Hill (D) have said they will not run.

“My end-of-year physical exam revealed minor health issues,” Skillman told WISH-TV.  “Nothing will interfere with my devotion to my duties as lieutenant governor, and I plan to continue the same pace as always. However, it is best to continue without the additional stress of a gubernatorial campaign.”

In a statement, Skillman (R) cited her health as the reason for her decision to not seek the seat currently held by term-limited Gov. Mitch Daniels (R).  She expressed “much disappointment” that she cannot run.

While the Governor’s race seems to be Pence’s destiny,

His recent travels make it clear that the White House is much more the Congressman’s style.

But that path is crowded with big-name Republicans,

And a sitting President, his coffers flush with money.

While the door to the Governor’s mansion, at least for Mike Pence, appears wide open.