Brown out of Senate race, leads to 2014 gov. speculation - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Former United States Sen. Scott Brown dispelled any notions of a run for the special election scheduled for June 25.

In a statement sent to CBS 3 Brown said:

"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."

But it's what Brown said last November that is sticking with political reporter for Masslive and The Republican, Robert Rizzuto.

"Ever since election night when Scott Brown said in his concession speech that defeat is only temporary, it was like something out of a movie," Rizzuto said.

That statement left many Massachusetts voters wondering just what was next for the ousted senator, and if it was a possible hint at a 2014 run for governor.

"It captivated the audience, it kept the interest going, it kept the storyline kind of continuing," Rizzuto said.

Rizzuto says that sitting this race out and potentially waiting to run for governor has its perks for Brown.

"He'd be able to sleep in his own bed at night, which is a huge one, and just the schedule of when he'd be running for governor as opposed to 2010 special election, in 2012 running for re-election and so on," Rizzuto said.

Now Brown's decision not to run is leaving an empty space for other Republican candidates to step in.

Douglas Bennett, part of the Massachusetts Liberty Movement, announced Friday he will run. And former State Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei sent out this statement Friday saying:

"Scott's exit from the race was obviously unexpected. That said, 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."

"We're back in the speculation phase, who will the Republican challenger be? But it's exciting nonetheless, never a dull moment in Massachusetts politics," Rizzuto said.

Other names that are being thrown around right now are former Lt. Gov. Kerry Heely as well as former Gov. William Weld.

On the Democratic ticket, Rep. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch have already announced they will run.

A primary will be held April 30.

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