Pence to announce plans by late January

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Mike Pence said Monday he'll announce within a few weeks what his political future might hold.

NewsChannel 15 reported in November that sources close to Pence said the Indiana Republican will run for Indiana governor in 2012, but Pence and his staff refused to confirm that and said a decision had not yet been made. Pence has also been rumored to be considering running for president next year. He told The Republic newspaper during a Monday visit to Columbus that he plans to announce his political plans by late January.

Pence stepped down from his leadership role in the House Republican caucus after winning re-election in November. He's been receiving support from social conservatives to enter the 2012 presidential race.

If Pence does indeed run for governor, he will be trying to succeed Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels , who'll be leaving office in two years because of term limits.