Massachusetts State Sen. Ben Downing won't be jumping into a special Senate election to fill Sen. John Kerry's seat if Kerry is confirmed as secretary of state.
The Pittsfield Democrat had been considering a run, but on Friday released a statement saying he won't be a candidate.
Downing's exit narrows the list of possible contenders.
So far, Congressman Ed Markey is the only announced Democratic candidate. Other possible Democratic candidates include U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch.
Lynch is planning to decide soon whether to run.
The Boston Democrat told WCVB-TV that if he gets into the race he expects to be outspent and would push for an agreement to discourage advertising by outside groups.
Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is weighing a run on the Republican side.
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