The Republican leadership races on December 6, triggered by the sudden resignation announcement by Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott (MS), will have one less potential competitor. Senator John Thune (SD) has announced that he won't be running for any of the open leadership posts, CQ reports, instead remaining in his current role as chief deputy whip. He had previously been considering the posts of conference chair or chair of the policy committee.

Thune had become a favorite of Republicans after he defeated then-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D) in 2004. But for now, it looks like he won't be trying to build on his giant-killer reputation by moving up in his own party's leadership.