Democrat John Edwards looks down during a speech announcing he would withdraw his candidacy for US president in New Orleans, Louisiana January 30, 2008. REUTERS/Lee Celano

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said on Thursday he would not accept the nomination for U.S. vice president as he did four years ago.

Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina, dropped out of the 2008 race that is still being contested by the two remaining Democrats, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, to see who represents the party in the November 4 general election.

Edwards was picked as running mate with Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004 but the two were defeated when President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were re-elected.

After his keynote speech at CTIA, the annual U.S. wireless industry showcase, Edwards was asked in a question-and-answer session if he would accept the nomination for vice president.

“No,” said Edwards, who also declined to say whether he would endorse Clinton or Obama.

Edwards dropped out of the presidential race after finishing third behind Obama and Clinton in key early nominating states.