Voters React To Thune's Decision

There's no doubt Thune has been a popular political figure in South Dakota since he first ran for the U.S. House back in 1997.  So do voters think he made the right choice?

News that Senator John Thune decided not to run for president is bringing out a mixture of opinions from those he represents here in South Dakota. 

"In my opinion, I think it's a bad decision. I like John Thune. He's for the people, that's just too bad," Theresa Martinez said. 

"I was hoping he would run because I think he'd make a great President," Toni Swedlund said.

Thune's decision wasn't just his own. His family played a big role too. Plus, Thune considered the enormous amount of money he would have to raise and the day-to-day travels in what could be a grueling campaign. 

"It comes down to personal opinion, you know if you feel you can do something for the country, you're better off to do what you think you're fit do, if you don't want to go that high, don't go," Joshua Johnson said.

Some believe since Thune is from South Dakota, he'd have had a difficult time with name recognition. But one voter from Colorado doesn't think that's the case. 

"You know what, I don't think he would. I come up to South Dakota a lot, it's a great state," Kevin Newby said. "So I don't think he would have had a hard time getting his name out."

And then there are those who believe Thune made the right decision. 

"I think it would be cool to see a South Dakota native in the White House, but I think there'd be a better choice than Thune honestly," Chad Thompson said.

Two other South Dakotans have tried... Senator Larry Pressler ran in 1980 and Senator George McGovern ran in 1972.