UPDATE2 UPDATE1: GOP prods a hesitant Scott Brown to run for Senate

[DonViejo]

Last edited Fri Feb 1, 2013, 04:30 PM - Edit history (2)

Source: Boston Globe

By Frank Phillips and Michael Levenson

With time running short, Washington Republicans have begun a “full court press’’ to persuade an increasingly reluctant Scott Brown to run in the special election to replace John F. Kerry, say two leading Massachusetts GOP figures.

The eleventh-hour effort, coordinated by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, comes as those familiar with Brown’s deliberations are becoming convinced that he will not run and instead will look for a job in the private sector.

The committee has lined up some of Brown’s former Senate colleagues to mount the campaign to persuade him to run. They are telling Brown he is the party’s best and probably only hope to win the June 25 election in a state that traditionally sends Democrats to Washington, said those GOP figures, who ­declined to comment on the record. Brown will probably disclose his decision in the next few days.

As the pressure mounts on Brown, a proudly defiant Stephen F. Lynch launched his Senate campaign Thursday by casting himself as a blue-collar political outsider and his rival for the Democratic nomination, Edward J. Markey, as an out-of-touch creature of Washington.

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Read more: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/01/31/congressman-lynch-launches-campaign-for-senate-seat/0jIlwDE5YtSJirYrmCec7N/story.html

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UPDATE 1:

Scott Brown will not run for US Senate
02/01/2013 2:14 PM

By Noah Bierman and Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff

Scott Brown, who surprised the political world with his upset victory in the 2010 special election, announced Friday afternoon that he will not enter the special election to replace John F. Kerry.

“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,” Brown said in a statement. “And I know it’s not the only way for me to advance the ideals and causes that matter most to me.”

Brown’s announcement was unusual. Rather than a formal press conference or statement, he initially released the news to the Boston Herald in a text message that said “U are the first to know.” His spokesman later confirmed the news to the Globe in a text that read “Not running.”

The full statement was released later.

-snip-
Read more:
http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2013/02/01/scott-brown-will-not-run-for-senate-per-reports/cZnOpjl4FBPD1Kwu4HPQxI/story.html

Update 2:

NRSC On Brown Decision: GOP ‘Remains Excited’ About Mass. Special Election

TOM KLUDT 2:24 PM EST, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2013

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) executive director Rob Collins tried to sound an optimistic note following Scott Brown's decision to not run in the Massachusetts special election, saying in a statement on Friday that the party "remains excited" about the race.

"This was no doubt a tough personal decision for Senator Brown and his family, who understandably need to recharge after several long, hard-fought campaigns. Now that he has made a decision, it’s time to move forward. The Republican conference remains excited about the prospect of the Massachusetts special election, and we have the organization, energy and resources to win.

“As the Democratic primary between Reps. Ed Markey and Stephen Lynch turns uglier and nastier each day, the Massachusetts special election provides a real pick-up opportunity for Republicans, and we intend on defeating whichever career politician limps through."

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http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/nrsc-on-brown-decision-gop-remains-excited-about

[iandhr]

1. hesitant about the Senate?

Does this means he thinks he would be better of running for Governor in 2014?

Patrick has said he will call it quits after two terms.

[Tarheel_Dem]

2. This is my biggest issue with a President that I otherwise adore. Why does he always pick sitting..

elected officials? There was no need for this seat to be in jeopardy. I also adore John Kerry, but surely there were other talented Democrats, who aren't currently serving in office. I know many people think this one seat won't matter, but by the midterms, it may make all the difference in the world.

[BumRushDaShow]

7. I agree although

I was just thinking that maybe doing this becomes the kick in the pants that the people and the often-lazy party machinery in a state needs to get more involved in the election and voting process, rather than letting "others" worry about it - which of late, resulted in significant voter apathy and takeovers by extremists. I know here in PA, it was a disgrace that you barely get 40% voter turnout during off-year elections when you have offices like the governor on the ballot.

[Tarheel_Dem]

9. Midterms scare the crap out of me. Democratic constituencies, when we have the WH, tend to be lax..

in midterms. It's the reason so many nutjobs have been able to wreck local and state governments across the country. I don't know what will provide that "kick in the pants" we need, but it seems that a lot of us only vote in presidential years. Sadly, my father was one of those. I may be worrying about nothing, because it seems that Brown has decided he won't run. But we need candidates that generate the kind of excitement that Barack, Hillary & Bill have been known for. I'm just not sure that an Ed Markey is that kind of candidate.

[DallasNE]

3. Brown Would Probably Be Wise To Sit Out This Election

Seriously. Two straight losses would likely end his political future. Surely, he knows that. With Obama's popularity soaring and Congress' in the dumpster the timing just isn't right for Brown. Brown tried voting with Obama a couple of times in 2012 but it was too late and the damage had already been done. A while back I thought is was probably a sure thing that he would get in but after giving it more thought I would now say that it is less than 50-50 he will get in. At least I am guessing that it is not an ego thing where he wants to be begged to get in. I'm guessing that internal polling is showing that his support is soft and that would not be a good sign.

[old guy]

4. You said it so I don't have to. Thanks.

[Demeter]

5. If they aren't throwing money at him, they aren't sincere

and I agree, he would be politically dead forever if he lost elections twice in a row.

[TheCowsCameHome]

6. I think Scott Brown is afraid of running against a man.

His previous campaigns were against women, and right way he attacked and mocked them.

This time he may have to actually come with something of substance, and that would be new for him. Stephen Lynch (whom I don't especially like) would shred him like toilet paper.

[AgingAmerican]

8. After just getting his ass handed to him

can you blame him?

[John2]

10. Shouldn't this be up

to the people of Massachussetts and not the rightwing Republican Party? I thought he is suppose to serve the people of Massachussetts. If they are not breaking down his door, then why should he run? They need to stick to their own states.

[Canuckistanian]

11. Hard to get rats to jump BACK onto a sinking ship

Funny how they have NO ONE else to run.