Daniels: Impasse may preclude White House run

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- - Indiana Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels says he'll stay focused on getting his Statehouse agenda passed, even if the legislative session drags on so long that it precludes him for running for president.

An ongoing standoff caused by boycotting House Democrats has the potential to cause the legislative session to drag on past its scheduled end in late April. Daniels told The Associated Press Wednesday that his legislative agenda remains his top priority. He said a long-term impasse "could well get in the way of any national participation. If it does, it does."

House Democrats fled to Illinois last week to derail some bills pushed by Daniels. Daniels says he won't be bullied and can call special legislative sessions from "now to New Year's" to get votes on his agenda.