While one never says never in politics, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., says he doesn’t expect to be selected as Sen. John McCain’s running mate.

But McCain, the presumptive nominee for Republicans in the presidential race, will pick South Dakota’s junior senator, according to a prediction by MSNBC’s “Hardball” talk show host, Chris Matthews.

A reporter asked Thune about it during Wednesday’s conference call.

“I very much like what I do,” Thune said. “I don’t have any desire to do anything else.”

With Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama locked in a tight battle for the Democratic nomination, the Republican side of the race is quiet by comparison, and there has been speculation about who McCain might choose to run as vice president.

“I don’t expect to be a part of it when it comes down to decision time,” Thune said. But, he agreed, “You never say never.”

McCain is doing what he should be doing — raising money and doing outreach, Thune said.

“At the right time he will make a choice, and I’m confident he will make a good one,” he said.