Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who has hinted an interest in seeking the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, will not run for governor of the Bay State in 2014.
Brown made the announcement at 9 p.m. Wednesday on his Facebook page.
“Tonight I announced that I will not be running for Governor of MA in 2014,” Brown wrote. “As I said, I am grateful for your encouragement and support. For the first time in 15 plus years, I have had a Summer to spend with my family. In addition, I have been fortunate to have private sector opportunities that I find fulfilling and exhilarating. These new opportunities have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I want to continue with that process.”
Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., speaks during a media availability, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, in Washington. Credit: AP
Brown was at the Iowa State Fair, the state with the first contest in the presidential primary season. He also met with members of the Republican National Committee last week. He said nothing in the announcement about any other political plans.
“Running for office takes a lot of thought, analysis, money, and sometimes personal sacrifice,” Brown said in the Facebook posting. “I have been honored to serve the people of the Commonwealth and this great country in many capacities for almost 20 years.
A governor's race could cause complications for a potential presidential run. If he were to be elected in 2014, he would immediately have to begin a presidential race and raise money. If he loses, his presidential prospects are further damaged by two consecutive losses at the state level. Further, Brown's public speculation about running for president in 2016 would have likely become an issue in the 2014 governor's race.
Brown won a special election in early 2010 to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated after the death of Edward M. Kennedy. However, his time in the Senate was short, losing to Democrat Elizabeth Warren in November.
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