Haley Barbour opts out of 2012: Winners and losers

The ex-RNC chair with a history of prodigious fundraising surprises the political class by deciding not to have a go at the White House. Who gains, and who suffers, from his choice?

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.) went so far as to hire staff for a presumed presidential bid, but now that he's pulled out of the race, other Republicans, including Mitch Daniels, may step up.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.) unexpectedly took himself out of the 2012 presidential race Monday, shocking the political press, his supporters, and even some of the staff he had hired for his presumed run. A former lobbyist and consummate Republican insider, Barbour had yet to gain much traction with GOP primary voters, and explained that he didn't have the "fire in the belly" needed for a long, intense campaign. But his fat rolodex, fundraising prowess, and much-admired political skills — not to mention his all-but-launched campaign for the nomination — had politicos taking his run seriously. Now that he's out, who gains, and who loses?

WINNERS

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