Reed says no to V.P.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, mentioned as a vice presidential possibility after accompanying Barack Obama to Afghanistan and Iraq, seemed to close the door on the prospect today.

"I am interested in serving in the United States Senate and that interest trumps any consideration of serving as a vice president,'' he told the Providence Journal.

He was asked in the interview: "If you were offered this position you would decline, is that correct?''

"Yeah,'' he answered, "but I frankly I don't expect to be offered the position.''

Reed, a West Point graduate and former Army officer, has raised his national profile with the trip. He gave the Democratic radio address that will air this weekend in response to President Bush's.

"I was proud to join with Senators Obama and Hagel in thanking our troops in the field. These young men and women are serving with extraordinary courage, talent and distinction," Reed says. "They get up each morning and cross the line of departure, risking their lives, and doing everything in their power to seize the objective.

"With that indomitable spirit -- and with a leader like Senator Obama who can restore hope and leadership and deliver real change -- we will meet the challenges of our time."