Why Mitch Daniels opened the 2012 door

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Talk of a Mitch Daniels run for President in 2012 picked up this weekend after the governor made a national television appearance where he was identified as a potential candidate.

Daniels has another goal in mind, however. He is using a national platform in the effort to win back GOP control of the Indiana House of Representatives.

Democrats control the Indiana House with 52 of the 100 seats. Republican control would help GOP Governor Daniels advance his agenda and secure his legacy. That's why Daniels goes on national television to talk about the 2012 race for President even though he has no plans to run.

"My attention is entirely fixed on the challenges and, I think, opportunities facing Indiana and trying to do the people business well here." he said on Fox News Sunday. "That's where it's going to remain."

It gives him the opportunity to raise money across the country through his political action committee known as Aiming Higher. Much of the money will go to candidates for the Indiana House. "It's about moving Indiana forward and that's the presentation he makes to people out of state when he raises money for Aiming Higher," says state GOP Chairman Murray Clark, "and I think that's his number one goal."

Democratic House Speaker Pat Bauer expects his candidates to be outspent. "So, we just have to do the best we can by outworking them and trying to get our message across on the issues" says Bauer. "So, we run the issues, but there's no question they'll have more money."

How's the strategy working? Well, the most recent report filed by Aiming Higher showed the PAC has $728,000 dollars in the bank and that was before the fundraising season got underway. It's why you can believe Daniels when he says he's not running for the White House.