Daniels Fans See Other National Roles for Him

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says he won’t run for president in 2012, but his supporters see other possible roles for him at the national level. Some of the suggestions include vice president, Treasury secretary, or Education secretary, the Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday.

Gov. Mitch Daniels

"How about good government czar in the White House? New position," said Al Hubbard, an Indiana businessman who was in the Bush administration with Daniels. "Whatever. I can see lots of opportunities for him."

Daniels left open to the possibility of a vice presidential run or a Cabinet position during his first public appearance since his announcement not to run for president over the weekend.

"Whoever is going to get our nomination will seriously look at Mitch as a VP candidate,“ Hubbard said. “I'm confident of that because he has so much to offer. And if our guy is elected, I know Mitch will have plenty of opportunities to serve in the administration."

Like many conservatives, Daniels’ focus is on fiscal discipline and a smaller federal government.

"Give the ones who are out there a chance," Daniels said of the GOP field. If they are bold and tell the public the facts about the nation's choices, "I think there are several of them that could make great presidents."