The field of potential Democratic candidates for ’08 has narrowed again, as former Senator Tom Daschle has announced he will not run. I honestly had not heard much about Daschle’s intentions, but here’s the scoop:

Tom Daschle was expected to make a decision about running for president by the end of the year, and Saturday afternoon, 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.

Daschle aslo offered some cautionary advice for another candidate who has already made his intention to run clear:

“Well I think Tom, Tom Vilsack has shown himself to be an incredibly good governor, very successful in doing a number of things, working with both sides of the aisle,” Daschle said.

But while Daschle says Vilsack has a good chance as a candidate, he also adds a note of caution.

“It’s an uphill battle for somebody from the Midwest but clearly he’s got what it takes and I think he’s going to do well,” he said.

Among the deciding factors for Daschle, his campaign manager notes, “the daunting task of raising the estimated $50 million needed for a presidential race.”

Meanwhile the Obama and Clinton speculation continues. Stay tuned…

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