Cap In Hand

Congressman Michael Capuano announced in a statement this afternoon that he will not run in the (presumed) upcoming special election for US Senate.

Ed Markey is the only declared candidate at this point. Congressman Steve Lynch is seriously considering it, and has said he will likely announce his plans after John Kerry's (presumed) confirmation as Secretary of State, expected later this month.

Rabbi Jonah Pesner of Newton is also still exploring a run. Reached this afternoon, Pesner had praise for Capuano but stressed that today's news would not affect his own decision. "I'm focusing on what I'm doing right now, without regard to anyone else," he said.

Potential Republican candidates are still awaiting word on whether Scott Brown will enter the race.