Web fuels rumblings of Daniels run

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Get ready for more speculation about a Mitch Daniels run for president. A pair of web sites could lead you to the conclusion that the groundwork is already being laid.

Governor Daniels said his last campaign is behind him, but his old campaign web site, mymanmitch.com , is up to date with news of the governor's accomplishments and even a page where you can make donations.

A new web site, however, may be a better indicator. It's named Americans for Mitch . It’s a site where you can read about how the governor's accomplishments compare to those of other governors and see his views on national issues.

Founder Michael O'Brien would like to see Daniels run for president.

"We're trying to get his message out and get his story out on a national level and influence the national debate at a time when the Republican Party is seeking direction," said O'Brien.

State Democratic Chairman Dan Parker discounts Daniels’ previous statements about running for the last time.

In a 24-Hour News 8 interview late last year Daniels said, "I'm not gaming for something else and so I think it's just good to be clear about that."

Parker points to the fact that O'Brien worked on the governor's staff.

O'Brien's also the Hendricks County Republican Chairman.

"This is not a grassroots movement. These are people that are connected to him that he could easily tell them, 'cut it.'," said Parker.

Yet O'Brien said his web site is not an attempt to start a draft movement.

"I don't think we're gonna measure success on whether or not he runs," said O'Brien.

But if he does, the web site will insure that a lot of supporters will already be identified.

The timing of the web site's publication also incorporates some strategy. Americans for Mitch went online Wednesday because Thursday the Young Republicans begin a national convention here in Indianapolis.