Contact: Bob Sturm, 703-396-6974; after 6 PM Eastern & on weekends, 703-307-8176; ConservativeHQ.com 

MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 27, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement from Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the announcement that Congressman Mike Pence will not run for president in the 2012 election:

"Conservatives and Tea Partiers have been looking for a top-tier conservative leader to get our country back on track and hopefully become the next President of the United States. We felt we had found that leader in Rep. Mike Pence, but his announcement that he will not run for the White House means we'll have to look for someone just as principled to challenge President Obama next year.

"While those of us who supported, and were looking forward to, a Pence for President campaign are disappointed, we can understand Congressman Pence's decision and will continue to support his strong conservative leadership.

"I hope Mr. Pence will continue to serve the American people and become the next governor of his state of Indiana.

"Mike Pence has a bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing his commitment to the principles of constitutional, conservative values help right the wayward course that America has been put on by big government Republicans and Democrats.

"Good luck, Mike Pence."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called "one of the creators of the modern conservative movement" (The Nation magazine) and one of the "conservatives of the century" (Washington Times). He is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.