NEW: State Sen Ben Downing Will Not Run For Kerry’s Seat

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Friday, January 11, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

Pittsfield State Senator Ben Downing announced on Friday that he will not be running in a Senate special election to fill John Kerry's seat if he is confirmed as Secretary of State.

“Over the past three weeks, I have spoken with family, friends and colleagues throughout the state about a possible run for the U.S. Senate. The response was overwhelmingly positive, not only from my friends in Western Mass, but from fellow public servants, party activists and citizens of all stripes. I will be forever grateful for their words of encouragement, advice, and endorsement," Downing said in a statement.

"I wish their faith in me was enough to sustain a campaign, but I know that every consideration – especially financial – must be made before a race of this type is undertaken. After considering every aspect of a possible campaign, I have determined that I will not be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming special election."

The Western Mass Democrat announced that he was contemplating a campaign for the seat last month following Kerry's nomination by President Barack Obama.

"I am excited to continue representing the people of Western Massachusetts in the State Senate, and I look forward to taking an active role in the upcoming campaign to ensure that the next Senator represents the values of Massachusetts,” Downing said.