Dave Mustaine has always been very vocal about his views on politics. And though he served as a correspondent for MTV during the 1992 Democratic National Convention, lately he’s been taking a conservative stance.

However, the Megadeth frontman caused quite a commotion when he shared his thoughts on the Republican presidential candidates in a recent interview with Music Radar. In fact, his favorable remarks for Rick Santorum gave off the impression that Mustaine was making an endorsement. However, Mustaine now wants to make it clear that he has not endorsed the former Senator…yet.

In an attempt to clarify his previous comments, Mustaine issued the following statement:

“Contrary to how some people have interpreted my words, I have not endorsed any presidential candidate. What I did say was that I hope to see a Republican in the White House.  I’ve seen good qualities in all the candidates but by no means have made my choice yet.  I respect the fact that Santorum took time off from his campaign to be with his sick daughter, but I never used the word ‘endorse.’”

Mustaine may not be ready to endorse any candidate at the moment, but it’s clear that come this November, he will be voting Republican. You can read his original comments about the current election over at Music Radar, but his specific remarks about Santorum can be read after the jump.

“Earlier in the election, I was completely oblivious as to who Rick Santorum was, but when the dude went home to be with his daughter when she was sick, that was very commendable. Also, just watching how he hasn’t gotten into doing these horrible, horrible attack ads like Mitt Romney’s done against Newt Gingrich, and then the volume at which Newt has gone back at Romney… You know, I think Santorum has some presidential qualities, and I’m hoping that if it does come down to it, we’ll see a Republican in the White House… and that it’s Rick Santorum.”