Thune to stay put in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., announced he would not seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, saying he thought he should remain in the Senate.

"There is a battle to be waged over what kind of country we are going to leave our children and grandchildren and that battle is happening now in Washington, not two years from now," Thune said on his Web site. "So at this time, I feel that I am best positioned to fight for America's future here in the trenches of the United States Senate."

While exploring the possibility of waging a bid to lead the Republican ticket in next year's general election, Thune said he and his family "have been reminded of the importance of being in the arena, of being in the fight. And make no mistake that during this period of fiscal crisis and economic uncertainty there is a fight for the future direction of America."

His decision narrows the field of potential Republican presidential candidates, though virtually none has yet announced candidacy.