Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a former lobbyist and Republican Party chairman, says he has not ruled out a presidential race in 2012.
How will people know if he's running? Barbour quipped Friday, "If you see me losing 40 pounds that means I'm either running or have cancer."
Barbour is chairman of the Republican Governors' Association. He spoke to a group of reporters in advance of a weekend gathering of the nation's governors.
Barbour said his focus this year will be helping to get Republicans elected in governor's races. After those elections, Barbour said he might considering running. Still, he called the prospect unlikely.
Republican leaders consider Barbour a serious potential candidate.
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