Daschle Would Consider VP Spot

Associated Press:

Former Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle, who endorsed Barack Obama for his party's presidential nomination, said he would consider being Obama's running mate if asked, but said it's not likely to happen.

"I don't believe there is much possibility that I will be asked," the former Senate minority leader from South Dakota said Saturday by phone from Washington.

"If I would, I would consider it, but I don't expect it to happen,"

Daschle, who lost re-election in 2004, gave some thought to seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. After visiting early primary states New Hampshire and Iowa, he said in December that he would not run.

Daschle said his two-year absence from public office is one reason Obama would look elsewhere for a running mate.

In his endorsement, Daschle said the Illinois senator has the ability to unify the nation and inspire a generation of young Americans.

"We have not talked about a specific role (in the campaign) at this point, but we have talked about campaign appearances and travel, speaking for the campaign on occasion, providing advice, raising resources - just a whole range of different activities that I might be involved in."

Daschle said he endorsed Obama because of his ability to unify the nation and inspire young Americans. Daschle told The Daily Republic of Mitchell that it was a difficult decision because he knows many of the other Democratic candidates from his time in the Senate.