Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour will not make a run for the Republican presidential nomination, he said in a released statement Monday.

"This has been a difficult, personal decision, and I am very grateful to my family for their total support of my going forward, had that been what I decided."

He said a presidential candidate’s supporters "expect and deserve no less than absolute fire in the belly from their candidate. I cannot offer that with certainty, and total certainty is required."

Barbour said he will continue his job as governor and his role in the Republican Governors Association.

— by Allie Wright