2008: Tom Daschle will not run for President

Former Senator Tom Daschle will not be a candidate for president in 2008.

He served as a senator representing South Dakotans in Washington for more than 25 years and has invested more than a year laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign.

Tom Daschle was expected to make a decision about running for president by the end of the year, and Saturday, he told KELOLAND News he has decided not to seek the United States' highest office in 2008.

“I've made a decision that I will not seek the presidency of the United States,” Daschle said.

He's spent decades representing South Dakota as a leader in the U.S. Senate. But after visits to key presidential primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, Daschle says he won't seek a run for the White House.

“I've had a lot of encouragement and I've been very gratified to have the encouragement from within the state and around the country,” Daschle said.

I admire Senator Daschle for all his service to his country and wish him the best of luck in future endeavors.