WASHINGTON, DC—Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) made the following statement after Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced that he would be stepping down as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference:

“I am thankful for the time I have had to work beside Senator Alexander at the leadership table and I am grateful that he will remain here in the Senate for years to come.

“At this time I am announcing my intention to seek the support of my Senate Republican colleagues to serve them as the next Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.

“America is at a crossroads with record deficits and crippling debt, high unemployment, and growing economic uncertainty. Now more than ever it is crucial for Republicans to communicate a clear vision to the American people. The Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference sits in a unique position to support Senate Republicans as we help shape the national conversation and put this country on a new path toward prosperity.”

Senator Thune was elected as Vice Chair of the Republican Conference in 2009 and later that year became the Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Senator Thune serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, the Budget Committee, the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, and the Finance Committee.

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