Mississippi Republican Gov. Haley Barbour — a long shot Presidential candidate at best — pulled the plug on his campaign for the White House Monday, saying he lacked the “absolute fire in the belly” to seek the office.
After making noises about a serious Presidential run, Barbour dropped his surprise announcement while at least one other long shot — twice failed Presidential wannabe Ron Paul — prepared to announce he was forming an “exploratory committee” for a third campaign.
“I will not be a candidate for President next year,” Barbour said in a statement. “I’m just not ready to make a 10-year commitment to an all-consuming effort.”
Barbour’s withdrawal barely puts a dent in a crowded Presidential field as the candidates head into their first debate next week.
