Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour traveled to South Carolina on Wednesday as part of a meeting with Republican state leaders, noting he is “seriously considering a run for president.”
“I’m seriously thinking about running for president but won’t make a decision until April,” Mr. Barbour said. “Nevertheless, part of the decision-making process is having the chance to meet old friends and to meet others who are involved in our party.”
The comment comes as potential Republican presidential candidates ramp up their campaigns in anticipation of announcing their intentions.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said Wednesday that he is simply “deciding on a date” to make an announcement, an indication that Mr. Romney will likely run for president.
The emergence of Mr. Barbour will likely complicate a number of potential Republican presidential candidate’s plans. The Mississippi governor is largely seen as one of the most politically-savvy members of the party. The Mississippi governor recently left his seat as the head of the Republican Governors Association, a position that allowed him to build a significant national base of support.
Mr. Barbour’s trip to South Carolina is the second in less than a month. The Republican governor traveled to the state during the inauguration of Republican Governor Nikki Haley.
