John Thune

US News & World Report:

Coming off a string of political victories, notably his bid to keep South Dakota's Ellsworth Air Force Base open, Republican Sen. John Thune has been tagged by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to play a broader role of pitching and selling GOP themes, according to Senate insiders.

The officials say it's the latest indication that Thune's star has continued to rise ever since he knocked off Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in the 2004 elections.

"I think we've got a pretty good story to tell," Thune said in an interview with U.S. News. Indications from Senate Republicans are that Thune will be urged next year to make a play for the chairmanship of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, now headed by Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina.

Like Dole and several other Republican senators, Thune has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate. Thune appeared open to entering the leadership or higher office, but didn't sound eager.

"I want to contribute," he said. However, he compared the dominant fundraising role of the NRSC job to "chewing on tinfoil."