South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley unimpressed by 2012 field, says Trump is serious

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley--one of the most high-profile endorsers for 2012--defended Donald Trump yesterday, saying the real estate mogul appears to be serious about his political plans.

"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 told the Associated Press.

As the Republican governor of a state permitted to hold one of the four early primary contests, Haley's nod will be highly sought-after by 2012 GOP hopefuls.

Unfortunately for them, she remains pretty nonplussed about her options.

"I'll tell you, right now. No one in the field excites me right now," Haley told AP.

Haley has already specifically shot down Newt Gingrich, who served as House Speaker in the mid-1990s.

"There was a place and time for him," she told reporters earlier this year during a discussion about Gingrich, who is exploring a 2012 bid. "I think there is a respect for him that he's been there and done that."

The Associated Press reports that Trump has directly contacted Haley to talk about 2012, as have Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Minnesota former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.), who visited Haley as recently as Monday.

Other potential candidates--including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin--got a jump on getting to know the new governor by being a part of her successful 2010 campaign.

(Photo of Haley: Gerry Melendez/AP)