Brown not running in special senate election

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown will not run for senate in a special election to replace John Kerry.

In a press release, Brown said he has spent the past few weeks giving serious thought to running in the June special election but ultimately decided against it.

"I was not at all certain that a third Senate campaign in less than four years, and the prospect of returning to a Congress even more partisan than the one I left, was really the best way for me to continue in public service at this time," said Brown.

Earlier this week another likely candidate, former gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker, told the Boston Herald that he was not interested in the job either.

Baker encouraged former Gov. William Weld to make a run for the seat if Brown were to stay out.

Brown was defeated in November by Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren. He had won the seat in a special election in 2010.

Sen. Warren commented on Brown's decision to stay out of the race shortly after he made the announcement.

"It is a very personal decision about whether or not to take on a big race like that. I respect that it's a difficult choice," says Sen. Warren.

The senator also says she wishes Brown the very best.

U.S. Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch are seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat.

In a release Friday, Lynch said he understands Brown's decision.

"He has basically been campaigning non-stop for three years. Its perfectly understandable that he wouldn't want to undertake another campaign," said Lynch. "I wish all the best to Scott and his family."

The Democratic and Republican primaries are scheduled for April 30 and the special election for June 25. Gov. Deval Patrick has named William "Mo" Cowan, a former top aide, to fill the seat on an interim basis until the election.

Cox Media Group