April 26, 2011, 7:00 am

Why Republicans May Be Skipping 2012 Presidential Run

By MICHAEL D. SHEAR

Haley Barbour’s decision to forgo a run for the presidency in 2012 puts him in the company of a half-dozen top Republicans who have considered — and rejected — a challenge to President Obama next year.

The question is: why?

In a statement that surprised much of official Washington, Mr. Barbour indicated that he does not have “absolute fire in the bellyâ€