Thune (SD) declares that he will not run for chair of the Senate Republican Conference:

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator John Thune today made the following statement regarding the upcoming race for the Republican Conference Chairmanship:

“As the Chief Deputy Whip, I feel I would serve the Republican conference best by focusing my efforts on helping the Whip organization make a smooth transition and therefore will not be seeking the position of Conference Chairman. There are excellent candidates running for Conference Chairman and our conference will be well served regardless of who wins.”

Currently, Hutchison (TX), Alexander (TN), and Burr (NC) are running for this position.