House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan beat back speculation Sunday that he might consider a 2012 presidential bid now that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) has ruled out a campaign.

“I’ve been very clear about this. I’m not running for president,” the Wisconsin Republican said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I feel, because we’re in a big budget debate, I’m in a great position as chairman of the House Budget Committee to really weigh in on this debate. And I feel like the moment we are in, I want to stay focused on where we are right now, and that is getting our fiscal house in order.”

Ryan said he was disappointed by the announcement by Daniels, whom “Meet the Press” host David Gregory called a “kindred spirit” to Ryan on fiscal issues.

“I think his candidacy would have been a great addition to this race, and I think it’s unfortunate that he’s not going to run,” Ryan said.

Gregory pressed Ryan further, asking whether he might consider running for vice president instead.

“I’m not going to get into all those hypotheticals,” Ryan answered. “I’m not running for president. I’m not planning on running for president. … You never know what opportunities present themselves way down the road. I’m not talking about right now.”