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Tom Daschle Would Consider VP Invite

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Tom Daschle, who endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president, said he would consider being Obama's running mate if asked.

The Democrat and former South Dakota senator said he had not been contacted by any of the Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination, and that his endorsement of the Illinois senator doesn't mean he's looking for a spot on the Democratic ticket.

"Theres not been any talk about it at all," he said Friday. "I have to say thats not something you can campaign for and its not something that you can plan or expect."

Daschle, who explored his own presidential run in 2008, said he would never rule out a return to politics.

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  He said the chances of considering a future run for presidency are slim, although he would not rule it out completely.

Daschle said Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsacks recent withdrawal from the presidential race shows how difficult it is to raise money for a presidential run. He estimated a current presidential run costs a candidate at least $1 million a week.

"(Vilsack withdrew) for one of the same reasons I chose not to run, which is the incredible money chase that is now required of any viable candidate," Daschle said. "It is becoming almost impossible for all but just a very small number of people to tap into the resources required to be successful."

Daschle said hell listen if Obama calls.

"I would always consider it," he said, but added that "I would imagine that they would go to states with a lot larger population than South Dakota."

Daschle said he endorsed Obama because of his ability to unify the nation and inspire young Americans. Daschle said it was a difficult decision because he knows many of the other Democratic candidates from his time in the Senate.

© 2007 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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