Pence: 2016 decision coming next year

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) says his decision about running for president will come early next year.

“We’re taking steps to run for reelection [for governor]. We’ll probably make a decision about our future sometime next spring,” he said Tuesday on “Fox & Friends.”

{mosads}But Pence said his attention now is focused on Indiana.

“With a long session of our Legislature up ahead, with lots of opportunities to build on the momentum we have here in Indiana, I’m going to stay focused on the future of the people of our state, and we’ll let my future take care of itself,” he said.

Pence added that he’s “always flattered to be mentioned for the highest office in the land.”

The Indiana governor, a favorite of Tea Party groups, is seen as a potential dark horse candidate for the 2016 Republican nomination. His decision not to seek the chairmanship of the Republican Governors Association was seen by some as a sign that he is mulling a run.

Pence has served as governor since 2013. He replaced former Gov. Mitch Daniels (R), who decided against running for president in 2012.