Thune deflects questions over potential 2016 presidential bid

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) deflected questions on Tuesday over a potential 2016 presidential bid.

The senator, 53, was asked on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” if he has presidential ambitions.

“Not at the moment,” he said. “Right now we are trying to get the majority for the Senate in November.” 

{mosads}Pressed again about a possible campaign in 2016, Thune said “Well, there is a campaign, but it is for the midterm elections.” 

“That’s the focus right now, and then we’ll worry about ’16 after that.”

Thune has previously said he’s open to running for president that year.  

“I don’t think you ever rule anything out in politics if you want to make a difference,” he said in an interview with Real Clear Politics last October.  

Thune is up for reelection in 2016 in the Senate. He was first elected in 2004, and was reelected in 2010.