Mitch Daniels has made his voice known that he doesn’t intend to run for any position other than Governor.  Since he’s term limited, one could safely assume that he might ride his Harley into the sunset after 2012.  Well, Chris Cilliza of the WaPo’s “The Fix” has other ideas as he ranks the top ten Republicans to watch in 2010 and 2012.  A list in which Governor Daniels ranks #4.

4. Mitch Daniels: Even as Obama was pulling off a stunning win in the Hoosier State at the presidential level, Daniels was cruising to reelection by 18 points. At the end of the campaign, Daniels pledged in a television ad that he would never run for another office but even if he stays true to his word, his experience in 2008 makes him a valuable commodity for Republicans. While Daniels’s ties to George W. Bush won’t help him — he served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget from 2001 to 2003 — his electoral success in a critical Midwest battleground means Daniels has a seat at the table.

Cilliza does mention beforehand that this list in not intended to be a list of potential challengers to Barack Obama in ‘12.

Governor Daniels convincing win over Jill Long Thompson should not be overlooked especially in such a horrid year for Republicans. His leadership will no doubt be tested in these difficult economic times in his second term, but he’s prepared our state financially for any potential hit to be not as bad. Unlike our neighbors on all sides of us.

How Mitch’s role in GOP politics outside of Indiana during his next four years will definitely be one to watch.