Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour issued a statement saying, "I will not be a candidate for president next year."
"A candidate for president today is embracing a ten-year commitment to
an all-consuming effort, to the virtual exclusion of all else. His (or
her) supporters expect and deserve no less than absolute fire in the
belly from their candidate. I cannot offer that with certainty, and
total certainty is required."
The focus now turns to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Barbour's good friend, who is also very close to making a decision.