Thune Won't Seek GOP Conference Chairman Post

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ending several days of speculation within GOP circles, has formally taken himself out of the race for Senate Republican Conference chair.

Thune's decision to opt out of the Conference race means it is a three-way contest between Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.). One or more of those candidates may also drop out before Thursday's leadership elections, according to Republican insiders.

“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,"  Thune said in a statement just released by his office. "There are excellent candidates running for Conference Chairman and our conference will be well served regardless of who wins.”

Thune, who will be 47 in January, is seen by many Republicans as an up-and-coming conservative who could have brought a fresh face to the GOP leadership table, and Thune may run for another post if Hutchison were to become Conference chair. Hutchison is currently Republican Policy Committee chair, and that post would be open if she wins the Conference race.