INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman announced Monday that she won’t be running for governor in 2012, citing what she called minor health concerns.

Skillman’s decision leaves U.S. Rep. Mike Pence as the most prominent Republican who has talked about a campaign for the state’s top job. Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels will be leaving office in two years because of term limits, at a time when no well-known Democrats are looming as candidates.

Skillman, a former state senator from Bedford, said she was disappointed after saying for months that she was considering a bid to become Indiana’s first female top executive.

“My end-of-year physical exam revealed minor health issues,” Skillman said in a statement. “Nothing will interfere with my devotion to my duties as lieutenant governor, and I plan to continue the same pace as always. However, it is best to continue without the additional stress of a gubernatorial campaign.”

Skillman, 60, didn’t disclose any other information. Her spokesman said she was declining interviews on Monday.

Pence stepped down from his position as the No. 3 leader among House Republicans after the November election, saying he was considering his political opportunities. He’s also been receiving support from social conservatives to enter the 2012 presidential race.

Pence issued a statement praising Skillman but didn’t address whether her announcement would affect his decision about entering the governor’s race.

“My family and I hold Becky in the highest regard and were troubled to learn that she was encountering challenges to her health,” Pence said.

Pence spokesman Matt Lloyd said any campaign decisions will come after the first of the year.

Daniels extolled the contributions of Skillman, whom he picked as his running mate in 2004.

“No governor has ever had a better partner; she has been a central figure in every reform and every big change we have brought about,” Daniels said. “Since we citizens won’t be fortunate enough to experience it, take it from me that Becky would have made a superb governor, ready in every respect and Hoosier to her core.”

Skillman has held elected office since 1976, serving as the Lawrence County recorder and clerk before joining the state Senate in 1992.

Two prominent Democrats mentioned as possible gubernatorial candidates – retiring U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and defeated U.S. Rep. Baron Hill – have said they won’t enter the 2012 race.

Other potential Democratic candidates include Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez and outgoing U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, who was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee this year for Bayh’s Senate seat.