Politics & Government

Tisei Weighing U.S. Senate Run

The former state senator's announcement came on Friday after Scott Brown said he would not run in the U.S. Senate race.

Former state Senate Republican Leader Richard Tisei says he is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by John Kerry after the long-time senator was appointed Secretary of State earlier this week. 

“In the coming days, I will be talking with family, friends, and supporters to consider the best role that I can play in helping to bring new, alternative leadership to Washington,” Tisei said in a statement released Friday.

Tisei, who previously ran for lieutenant governor and Congress, said he was shocked to see Scott Brown announce he would not be running for the seat.

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"The news that Scott won't be running again came as a surprise to me, as to many others," Tisei said in the statement. "I've known him for many years and served with him in the state senate. I have great respect for his independence and bi-partisan record in the Senate. His decision not to be a candidate in the special election for the U.S. Senate is a great loss for the Commonwealth."

Tisei did well in Danvers in his most recent campaign. In November's general election, he garnered about 600 votes more than incumbent U.S. Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem), who won.

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Two Democrats have already announced their run for the open Senate seat: U.S. Congressman Ed Markey (D-Malden), who represents the Fifth Congressional District, along with U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston), who represents the Eighth Congressional District. 

The primary election is set for April 30 and the general election will be held on June 25. 


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