Thune to Seek Senate Communications Subcommittee Chair

Outgoing Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., has decided to seek the chairmanship of the Communications Subcommittee, a Senate GOP aide told us Thursday. Thune, who was elected Wednesday as the chamber's majority whip, had been debating whether to seek the gavel of Senate Communications or Senate Surface Transportation.

Thune is relinquishing the Senate Commerce chairmanship at the end of this Congress. Senate Communications Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., is widely viewed as likely to succeed him in that role.

Wicker, if selected to lead Senate Commerce, ultimately will decide who leads the subcommittees.