GOP ex-MA Lt. Gov. Healey opts out of US Senate race

Enlarge image

Credit Wikimedia Commons

Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor and state Republican Party chair Kerry Healey.

BOSTON (AP) — Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey has joined a growing list of Republicans who've ruled out running in a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the departure of former Sen. John Kerry.

Healey said Monday she was grateful for the advice of those who urged her to get into the race but said she's decided against it.

Other Republicans who say they won't run include former Gov. William Weld, former state Sen. Richard Tisei and Mitt Romney's son, Tagg Romney.

Republican state Rep. Daniel Winslow said he's planning a major announcement Tuesday morning. Winslow has previously said he was considering a run.

Two Democrats — Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Edward Markey — have already announced they are running.

The special election is scheduled for June 25.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.