Massachusetts’ Delahunt Won’t Rule Out Retirement
Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) did not rule out retirement in an interview with the Boston Herald published Saturday.
Delahunt told the Herald, “Every election cycle, I take my time, I think it through, and I think, not about whether I can win or lose, but: ‘Am I in a position to make a difference?'”
“I have held elected office for almost 40 years,” he added. “I understand that there is always an ebb and flow. Today you are up and tomorrow you are down. That is the rhythm of political life.’
The Herald reported that Delahunt will announce in March whether he will seek re-election.
The seven-term Quincy, Mass.-based Democrat is being targeted by the GOP after Sen. Scott Brown’s (R) strong performance in Delahunt’s 10th district in the Senate special election last month. An internal poll conducted for one of the Congressman’s potential Republican opponents, former state Treasurer Joe Malone, showed Malone leading Delahunt by single digits, though within the margin of error.
Several other Republicans are also looking at taking on Delahunt, with interest spiking since Brown’s surprise Senate win in January.
Delahunt’s retirement would no doubt create a Democratic crowd for the seat as well. Names that have been floated include state Senate President Therese Murray and Robert F. Kennedy’s grandson Joseph Kennedy III.