WASHINGTON - While it’s a wide open question who will be the Democratic and Republican vice U.S. presidential nominees, the list of potential contenders got a bit smaller on Tuesday.

Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota dismissed talk that he might be John McCain’s running mate, telling Reuters, “That must be my mother talking.”

And Democratic Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, in an interview with National Public Radio, ruled himself out as a possible running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“If drafted, I will not run; if nominated, I will not accept; and if elected, I will not serve. So, I don’t know how more crystal clear I can be,” said Strickland, who backed Hillary Clinton for the party’s presidential nomination.

Thune, who endorsed McCain early in the Republican presidential primary, said “no” when asked if he had any interest in the vice presidential nomination.

“I’m happy with what I’m doing. I like my job,” said the first-term senator.

In the past two days, congressional Democratic leaders have met with Obama’s vice presidential search team. McCain has begun conferring, sometimes in public settings, with possible running mates.

Neither is expected to announce a decision soon. 

Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.

 Photo credit: Reuters/ Kevin Lamarque  (Obama); Carlos Barria (McCain)