BOSTON — Ben Affleck is taking his name off the list of possible candidates for Sen. John F. Kerry’s seat, which would be open if the Democratic senator from Massachusetts is confirmed as secretary of state.
Mr. Affleck said in a Monday posting on his Facebook page that while he loves the political process, he will not be running for public office.
Speculation about the Cambridge, Mass., native rose slightly when he did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.
IDAHO
Newspaper urges voters to forgive senator’s arrest
The Idaho Statesman urged its readers in a Christmas Day editorial to forgive Sen. Mike Crapo, Idaho Republican, after the lawmaker’s drunken driving arrest in Virginia over the weekend.
An excerpt from the Boise newspaper’s commentary: “One mistake does not erase an otherwise honorable career. It’s a good guess that the embarrassment anybody might feel for him is nothing compared with the embarrassment he feels for himself.”
Mr. Crapo was pulled over Sunday night by Alexandria police after running a red light.
HAWAII
Report: Governor to announce Inouye successor Wednesday
CBS News reported Tuesday that Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, a Democrat, will announce Wednesday whom he is appointing to the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye’s vacant seat.
The governor’s action comes after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, urged the governor to move quickly to appoint a successor because Democrats want to be at full strength during “fiscal cliff” votes expected as soon as Friday.
If a Democrat is named, as expected, to the seat, Democrats would hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate through the end of the year.
Mr. Inouye died last week.
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