INDIANAPOLIS – Rumors swirled Tuesday that Gov. Mitch Daniels will be the next president of Purdue University.
An Indianapolis TV station, citing unnamed sources, posted a story that he is the candidate who will be voted on by the Purdue Board of Trustees Thursday at the West Lafayette campus.
The Journal Gazette found the governor Tuesday at the Statehouse, but he would only say “no comment” on the possible presidency before jumping in his SUV for his usual lunchtime gym visit.
It is the same answer he gave reporters who waited for him in the same place last year when he was deciding whether to run for president of the United States.
Jane Jankowski, spokeswoman for Daniels, also declined comment.
Daniels’ name has come up in recent weeks amid speculation along with others, including House Speaker Brian Bosma.
Bosma confirmed to The Journal Gazette Tuesday morning he will not get the job.
Another contender, University of Houston chancellor and president Renu Khator, also took to Twitter to say she was not leaving her current post.
France Córdova, Purdue's 11th president, announced last July her intention to leave the office July 15.
If Daniels is named, it is unclear whether he would resign his office, which would give Indiana its first female governor – Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.
His term ends in January.
