Jindal, two other GOP Governors see possibility of challenging Obama in 2012

Washington, Feb.23 (ANI): Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and two other Republican governors are not ruling out the possibility of running for president in 2012.

Speaking on "FOX News Sunday," South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford said that he has learnt never to predict the future, though as of now, he doesn't plan to run.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said he is thinking about running for re-election in 2010, and that if he were to win, people would expect him to serve out his term.

Jindal said during an NBC's "Meet the Press," program that he plans to seek re-election in 2011 -- but he would not give a yes-or-no answer when asked if he wants to be president.

Their views surfaced at the weekend meeting of the National Governors Association.

Jindal and Sanford are considered likely presidential candidates in 2012, but have so far demurred.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are also said to be in the race, although a law from running precludes Schwarzenegger, a native of Austria, for president. Crist is thought to be a serious prospect.

Obama hosted the governors at the White House on Sunday night in his administration's first formal dinner. He said all governors, despite party affiliation, need to work with Washington to repair the economy.

Not present at the governor's meeting was Alaska's Sarah Palin, arguably the Republican party's biggest star. Palin, who joined McCain on the Republican ticket last year, is viewed as a top prospect for 2012 -- but that doesn't mean other governors are standing by in the meantime. (ANI)