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Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who was mentioned as a potential running mate for Barack Obama on the "Republicans For Obama" conference call today, has issued a statement making it clear he is not exactly angling for the job.

"Senator Hagel has no intention of getting involved in any of the campaigns and is not planning to endorse either candidate," the statement, first reported by USA Today, says. The Wall Street Journal reports more from the statement: “He will be in Central and South America during both conventions on official travel. Senator Hagel is focused on his job serving the people of Nebraska as a United States Senator.”

As USA Today notes, Hagel is a close friend of McCain but sharply disagreed with the presumptive GOP nominee on the Iraq war. He is retiring from the Senate this year and was mentioned as a possible third-party candidate earlier in the campaign.

Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who was mentioned as a potential running mate for Barack Obama on the "Republicans For Obama" conference call today, has issued a statement making it clear he is not exactly angling for the job.

"Senator Hagel has no intention of getting involved in any of the campaigns and is not planning to endorse either candidate," the statement, first reported by USA Today, says. The Wall Street Journal reports more from the statement: “He will be in Central and South America during both conventions on official travel. Senator Hagel is focused on his job serving the people of Nebraska as a United States Senator.”

As USA Today notes, Hagel is a close friend of McCain but sharply disagreed with the presumptive GOP nominee on the Iraq war. He is retiring from the Senate this year and was mentioned as a possible third-party candidate earlier in the campaign.

Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said in an interview with the Associated Press that he would consider accepting an offer to be Barack Obama's running mate, if asked.

Hagel, who has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq, added that he doesn't expect to be on a presidential ticket. Still, the Nebraska senator's non-denial of interest is sure to add fuel to the fire of those calling for Obama to pick a Republican to balance the ticket.

"If it would occur, I would have to think about it," Hagel said. "I think anybody, anybody would have to consider it. Doesn't mean you'd do it, doesn't mean you'd accept it, could be too many gaps there, but you'd have to consider it, it's the only thing you could do. Why wouldn't you?"

In his book, "America: Our Next Chapter," Hagel said that the decision to go to war in Iraq was "the triumph of the so-called neoconservative ideology, as well as Bush administration arrogance and incompetence."

Hagel, a Vietnam veteran who hasn't endorsed either Obama or McCain, told the AP he hasn't thought about who he'll vote for in November.

Republican Sen. and Iraq war critic Chuck Hagel has been talked about a possible third-party presidential or vice presidential candidate, though that talk has significantly diminished with the success of Barack Obama's political campaign.

ON MSNBC's "Morning Joe" today, Hagel was asked if he would endorse presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain.

“John McCain is a very good friend," Hagel said. “But he and I obviously have some very significant differences on Iraq, on some other things. I may not endorse anyone."

Hagel was also asked if he would back Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama.

“It’s possible, but I don’t see that happening," Hagel said, adding: "My endorsement is irrelevant anyway for the success of any candidate."

There is some speculation that Obama, who trumpets his ability to reach across the aisle, could consider tapping Hagel as his running mate.

Meanwhile, Democrat Mario Cuomo penned an op-ed that ran in Saturday's Boston Globe calling for Obama and Hillary Clinton to form a joint ticket in order to avoid lasting damage to the party.

The response from the campaigns so far? Not encouraging.