Indiana Rep. Mike Pence announced Thursday he won't seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012, but hinted a possible run for governor.

"In the choice between seeking national office and serving Indiana in some capacity, we choose Indiana," he said in a letter being sent to supporters. "We will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012."

The Indianapolis Star reported Pence said he would make a decision "later this year" about his next political steps.

The 51-year-old finished first in a presidential straw poll among social conservatives last September.

Many analysts predict Pence could easily win the GOP nomination to succeed Gov. Mitch Daniels. State law bars the Republican governor from seeking a third term.