Downing will not run for Senate

PITTSFIELD – State Senator Benjamin Downing has announced he will not be running for United States Senate to replace John F. Kerry.

“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,” said Mr. Downing. “The response was overwhelmingly positive, not only from my friends in western Massachusetts, 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.”

“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,” Mr. Downing continued.

“I am blessed with a wonderful wife, great family and friends, and an incredible job, representing the community that has given me every opportunity in life. 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.”

U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey has emerged as the favorite to win the Democratic nod for the seat.

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on January 11, 2013. Filed under Breaking News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry