WASHINGTON - South Dakota Sen. John Thune is set to become a member of Senate Republican leadership after party elections this week.

Thune is running for Senate Republican Conference vice chairman, the No. 5 spot in GOP Senate leadership. No other Republicans have declared a run against him on Tuesday's ballot.

Thune has been visible in the Senate since he defeated Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004. He has previously served as a chief deputy whip for the party, helping leaders develop strategy and communicate GOP priorities.