PIERRE (AP) - U.S. Sen. John Thune says he's keeping his options open for a 2016 presidential bid, but right now the South Dakota Republican says he's not exploring a run.
Thune on Wednesday said he's focused on his work in the U.S. Senate, where he'll assume the chairmanship of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in 2015. Politico recently listed Thune among potential contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
Thune says he is "not anxious to be on lists."
A popular Republican elected in 2004, Thune will be South Dakota's senior U.S. senator when Republicans assume control of the chamber. If he decides to take on another Senate term, Thune will be up for re-election in 2016.
