Haley exit frees Mitch, money
Haley Barbours surprise announcement Monday that he wont run for president now turns all eyes upon Indianapolis. Without his good friend Barbour in the race, does this now make it more likely that Mitch Daniels will run?
This much is sure: the Mississippians departure leaves open a network of Republicans who are now free agents. Barbour aides suggested Monday that the governor would take some time before weighing in on the race, but he will be looked to in the weeks ahead for signals as to who he favors.
Barbour had developed little following among grassroots Republicans, but his exit from the field frees up a money crowd he has cultivated over his decades as an operative, lobbyist, party chair and governor. These are establishment Republicans who either have personal ties to Barbour, have some hesitation about getting behind Mitt Romney – or both. So theyre ripe targets for Daniels.
But Tim Pawlenty, Romney himself and Newt Gingrich are likely already moving on some of them. Some may wait for Daniels. But every day he delays his decision is a day those in the race will be making their case and trying to win the primary for what would have been Team Haley.