Paul Ryan Kills White House Rumors

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), the influential chairman of the House Budget Committee, swatted down rumors Monday that he was mulling a White House bid.

“I sincerely appreciate the support from those eager to chart a brighter future for the next generation.  While humbled by the encouragement, I have not changed my mind, and therefore I am not seeking our party’s nomination for President,” Ryan said in a statement.

Ryan added that he was hopeful his party would nominate a “candidate committed to a pro-growth agenda of reform that restores the promise and prosperity of our exceptional nation.”

Bachmann Reacts To Rebel Advance In Libya

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), a 2012 GOP presidential candidate, released the following statement in response to reports that rebel forces have taken over the Libyan capital of Tripoli:

“I opposed U.S. military involvement in Libya and I am hopeful that our intervention there is about to end. I also hope the progress of events in Libya will ultimately lead to a government that honors the rule of law, respects the people of Libya and their yearning for freedom, and one that will be a good partner to the United States and the international community.”

Rove Suspects Palin Will Enter 2012 Race

Former Bush advisor Karl Rove thinks that Sarah Palin will likely announce plans to run for President in the coming weeks.

“I’d put a little more money that she gets in than if she doesn’t, because of the schedule she’s got next week in Iowa,” Rove said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday. “it looks like that of candidate, not celebrity.”

Rove added that a video released by SarahPac last Friday highlighting the former Alaska Governor’s trip to Iowa smacked of a “pre-presidential campaign.”

Former Treasury Official Lashes Out At Perry

Former Treasury official Bruce Bartlett threw some jabs at Texas Gov. Rick Perry Friday morning over the GOP presidential front-runner’s comments towards Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke. 

“Rick Perry’s an idiot, and i don’t think anyone would disagree with that,” Bartlett said on CNN’s “American Morning.”

Bartlett’s lashing is a response to controversial remarks Perry made about Bernanke while campaigning in Iowa. 

“I mean, printing more money to play politics at this particular time in American history is almost treacherous, or treasonous, in my opinion,” Perry said Monday. 

Bartlett served at the Treasury under former President George H.W. Bush and was and adviser to President Ronald Reagan.

Feingold Won’t Run In 2012

Former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold announced Friday that he will not run for public office in 2012.

“After twenty-eight continuous years as an elected official … I have found the past eight months to be an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective,” Feingold said in a statement.

Feingold, a favorite among progressives, was ousted in the 2010 mid-terms by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.). After leaving office, Feingold established Progressives United, a political action committee seeking to countering the Supreme Court’s Citizens United Ruling.

There have been rumors that Feingold was considering running for the Senate seat currently held by Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) or going up against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker in a recall election.