Curt Schilling is staying in the political bullpen and will not run for Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat.
The former Boston Red Sox pitcher made the announcement on "Joe Buck Live" on HBO on Tuesday night, the New York Daily News reports. Earlier this month, the 42-year-old expressed interest in running.
Kennedy, who was elected to the Senate in 1962, died on Aug. 25 of brain cancer at age 77. Primaries are scheduled for Dec. 8, and the general election will be held Jan. 19. The Massachusetts general assembly will vote on Wednesday whether Gov. Duval Patrick can name an interim replacement and he could name someone as soon as Thursday.
Schilling, a three-time World Series champion, flourished in pressure situations and won the hearts of Boston fans by leading the Red Sox to the team's first title in 86 years with a gusty performance in the 2004 Fall Classic. He also won titles with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 and again with the Red Sox in '07. He retired in March.
Days after the Red Sox won in 2004, he went on national TV to urge everyone to vote, "and vote Bush." Schilling stumped for Republican John McCain in 2008, but he has said he also voted for Bill Clinton, a Democrat, the Associated Press reports.
State Rep. Michael Capuano, Attorney General Martha Coakley and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca have announced they're seeking the Democratic nomination.
State Sen. Scott Brown and Canton Selectman Bob Burr are seeking the Republican nomination. Of course, this is politics, so who knows what could happen in the future?
