In a reminder that the GOP presidential field for 2016 remains wide open, South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the latest public figure who has refused to rule out a possible White House bid.
According to
The Hill, the second-term senator said he has not built any campaign infrastructure, and while he does not currently have plans to run he wouldn't rule it out.
"The things I need to be doing right now I'm not doing and a lot of other people are," he said, according to The Hill. "But you never close the door on anything, you never know what's going to happen. But as of right now, no."
Earlier this year, Thune appeared to rule out a run in 2016 when asked about his intentions. He had been considered a
possible vice presidential running mate to 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney but ultimately ruled himself out, saying he was enjoying his role in the Senate.
Thune told The Hill that he is currently focused on what will be the new challenges of the GOP-controlled Senate and his role as the No. 3-ranked Republican who will chair the Senate Commerce Committee.
"I am not actively pursuing [the presidency] at the moment, I've got my work cut out for me in the Senate," he said, according to The Hill. "I think being in the majority, and if all things work out here, the committee chairmanship, is going to keep me extremely busy."
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