Daniels sent an e-mail to his supporters explaining his decision:
“In the end, I was able to resolve every competing consideration but one, but that, the interests and wishes of my family, is the most important consideration of all. If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry. If you feel that this was a non-courageous or unpatriotic decision, I understand and will not attempt to persuade you otherwise. I only hope that you will accept my sincerity in the judgment I reached.”
Additionally, Daniels provided a statement to the Indianapolis Star:
“The answer is that I will not be a candidate. What could have been a complicated decision was in the end very simple: on matters affecting us all, our family constitution gives a veto to
the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision. Simply put, I find myself caught between two duties. I love my country; I love my family more.”
Given the fact that Daniels and his wife were known to have had a unique marital history (she left Daniels and their four daughters to marry a different man, only to return years later to re-marry Daniels), it seems the national spotlight was not something desired by the family. As many Republicans will find this news disappointing, at least two are likely smiling: Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty.
Watch the clip from ABC News below reporting on Daniels’ decision: