https://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2013/01/18/mitch-daniels-the-one-who-got-away/feed/HotAir is the leading conservative blog for breaking news and commentary covering the Biden administration, politics, media, culture, and current elections.en-usTue, 09 Jun 2026 03:22:48 -0400<![CDATA[Even his strongest critics don’t deny that “big stuff” has been achieved. Daniels was arguably the most ambitious, effective conservative governor in America. He managed to ride a recession that bucked other leaders — balancing a series of budgets without increasing taxes. He left Indiana with a $500 million yearly surplus and $2 billion in reserves while awarding taxpayers a substantial refund on his way out the door. During eight years in office, he shed 6,800 state government jobs — 19 percent of the total — while improving public services. He passed legislation ending mandatory union dues. He created the largest school-choice program for low-income parents in the country. He privatized a toll road and the state lottery and busted cable monopolies. &#8230;]]>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:00:57 -0500<![CDATA[Erika Johnsen]]>https://hotair.com/headlines/2013/01/18/mitch-daniels-the-one-who-got-away-n99345