Haley: Trump Serious About Running

The AP reports:

Real estate tycoon Donald Trump has called South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and is serious about a White House bid, the Republican governor said Wednesday.

"Anybody that thinks he's doing this for name recognition - that's just not true. He's very serious about it and he's convinced he can win," Haley said.

The governor's endorsement would be important for any 2012 GOP presidential hopeful in this early primary state.

Others with presidential ambitions who have contacted Haley since she took office in January include Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour; Minnesota's former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who stopped by Monday for a half-hour visit.

Last year, Haley waged a come-from-behind campaign, and spent time with other possible candidates, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Haley, who hits her first 100 days in office Thursday, is far from picking a favorite.

"I'll tell you, right now, no one in the field excites me right now," Haley said. But she knows what to expect from South Carolina primary voters.