Indiana Lt. Governor Skillman Will Not Run for Governor

Announcement Good News for Mike Pence?

Major Jester
Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman released a written statement today declaring that she will not run for the Office of Governor of Indiana in 2012. An annual physical examination revealed what was termed "minor health issues". Skillman's statement said in part "With much disappointment, I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2012. My end of year physical exam revealed minor health issues. Nothing will interfere with my devotion to my duties as Lt. 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."

Skillman, a Republican, is in her second term as Lt. Governor, having won reelection with Governor Mitch Daniels two years ago. Daniels is prohibited from running for a 3rd term. Political speculation has run rampant recently as to the plans of Sixth District Congressman Mike Pence, who to date has not ruled out either a run for Governor or a bid for President. Pence has repeatedly started he will not announce his future political plans until after the first of the year.

Skillman is respected by both parties as witnessed by recent comments. Indiana Democratic Chairman Dan Parker has praised Skillman for her work across party lines in order to find the best solutions for Hoosiers. Pence likewise praised Skillman and said that Indiana owes her a "debt of gratitude." Mitch Daniels praised her by stating "Since we citizens won't be fortunate enough to experience it, take it from me that Becky would have made a superb governor, ready in every respect and Hoosier to her core."

Skillman has 34 years of service as an elected official. She began her political career in Lawrence County where she held many offices. Elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1992, Skillman held many prominent leadership roles. She won election as Lt. Governor in 2004, sharing the Republican ticket with Mitch Daniels. Skillman was Indiana's first elected female lieutenant governor.

Skillman concluded her written statement by declaring her intention to finish her term: "I look forward to the next two years of service with enthusiasm, particularly the up-coming legislative session, as Governor Mitch and I work every day to move our state forward."

Sources:

WIBC NEWS RADIO

WTHR TV13

Published by Major Jester

Happily married baby boomer with a beautiful wife, 5 children, 3 grandchildren: the best family one could ever hope for.  View profile

Indiana's Lt. Governor heads the State Department of Agriculture, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Office of Energy Development, the Office of Defense Development, and is President of the Indiana Senate.

4 Comments

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  • Fern Fischer1/4/2011

    Nice job on this. She's a hard worker, alright.

  • Snidely Whiplash12/22/2010

    Shame an effective Republican politico cannot run, but I wish her all the best as well as a Merry Christmas Major.

  • Major Jester12/20/2010

    I agree, but so far no details other than her statement, Nancy. She has been a great addition to our state, keeps below the radar, and gets a lot done.

  • Nancy V Canfield12/20/2010

    Hope she's okay.

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