Sen. John Thune of S.D. says he'd distance himself from Bush if he were running this year

(AP) Freshman Sen. John Thune, the Republican hero two years ago for ousting the Senate Democratic leader, said Wednesday that if he were running this year, he'd distance himself from President Bush and his agenda.

In 2004, the White House political operation recruited Thune to challenge Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. He dealt the Democratic Party a major blow, edging Daschle in South Dakota as Bush captured a second term.

Thune, a conservative who rarely breaks with the GOP or Bush, said Wednesday that if he were up for re-election this year, he'd adopt a different strategy.

"If I were running in the state this year, you obviously don't embrace the president and his agenda," Thune told reporters at the National Press Club. He said the Iraq war is Bush's biggest problem.

"The first thing I'd do is acknowledge that there have been mistakes made," he said. "Our candidates have to draw and point out differences in how they would approach and win the war in Iraq and how their opponents would. The biggest thing we have going for us on that issue is that Democrats are very divided."

Thune is a leading contender to head the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which recruits and helps finance Senate candidates, in the 2008 election cycle. The South Dakota senator offered a blunt assessment of the 2006 outlook.

"Clearly we are facing a headwind if you look at the national political environment," Thune said. "The president's numbers in most places aren't good ... these are going to be tough races to win."

Republicans hold 55 seats to the Democrats 45 with one Democratic-leaning independent. Republican incumbents in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Montana, Missouri and Ohio face tough challenges. Democrats need to gain six seats to capture control of the Senate.

Thune said Republicans facing election should emphasize their differences with opponents on issues such as national security, which usually favor Republicans.

"What our candidates have to effectively do is make it about a choice," he said. "Who can move forward with a positive agenda?"

Since defeating Daschle, Thune has been a major draw on the Republican fundraising circuit, raising money for numerous candidates in states such as Missouri and Minnesota. He said he will decide after Labor Day on whether he wants to seek the post of chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The current chair is Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C. Lawmakers typically hold the job for one election cycle.