A promise from a Congressman -- Frank WON'T run for Senate

[Boston Critic]

A promise from a congressman
November 24, 2006

BECAUSE CITIZENS are legitimately critical of politicians who seem to suffer from a form of attention deficit disorder in which shortly after winning one office, they begin to think about the next one, I want to respond to an implication in Joan Vennochi's Nov. 19 op-ed, What will it be, Senator Kerry?"

Vennochi notes that if John Kerry were to resign his seat, I could then run for it without putting my current job at risk. She is technically correct; I could. But I wouldn't.

Had the Democrats not won the House, I would have tried to trade my minority position in the House for the Senate. But being chairman of the Financial Services Committee gives me more ability to affect public policy -- the reason I am in this line of work in the first place -- than being a freshman senator.

So I absolutely will not run for the Senate no matter what Senator Kerry decides.

BARNEY FRANK
Newton
The writer represents the fourth congressional district.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2006/11/24/a_promise_from_a_congressman/

[catnhatnh]

1. The good congressman...

...has my best regards, and my respect.

[Ian David]

2. Barney Frank for President! Frank / Obama 2008! n/t