Sen. Thune to seek reelection as Republican Conference chairman

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will seek reelection as Senate Republican Conference chairman, the senator announced Thursday.

"America continues to face enormous challenges and the consequences have never been greater," Thune said in a statement. "Our country is at a crossroads and communicating our positive Republican vision to grow the economy, create jobs, and restore our nation’s fiscal health couldn’t be more important. Senate Republicans have solutions and we will work hard to aggressively take our message directly to the American people."

Thune's decision effectively assures that Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) will become the next Republican whip when Sen. Jon Kyl (Ariz.) retires at the end of 2012.

Cornyn had previously served as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Thune had reportedly been considering a challenge to Cornyn for the whip spot.

Prior to serving as Conference chairman, Thune served as vice chairman of the Conference and also was chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. 

Meanwhile, the race to become the next chairman of the NRSC has begun to heat up. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is running for the job and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) is also considering a bid.

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