No Word Yet From Sen John Thune On Reelection Plans

     South Dakota political candidates are revving into full campaign with one big exception – Republican U-S Senator John Thune. 

     He had planned to announce a reelection decision over the holidays, but didn’t and has given no indication he is any closer to a decision on running or retiring. 

      Thune’s #3 in the GOP leadership and is a likely pick to be the next Senate leader if Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell steps down or leaves before 2028.

      If Thune retires, it could upend national Republican politics and create a scramble within the South Dakota Republican Party to fill the void. 

     Thune was a 3-term Congressman when he beat then-Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004.