Keenan to Sit Out Senate Race

The following is courtesy of Rep. John Keenan in reference to questions he has received since .

Given that the seat hasn’t been open in 30 years, although “tempting”, State Representative John Keenan (D-Salem) has decided not to seek the office of State Senator. Keenan’s decision will likely surprise many as he previously ran for the same seat in 1994 and has amassed one of the largest campaign war chests on Beacon Hill.

Keenan explained, “timing is everything in politics, and now is not the time for me and my family. First and foremost, a race is not in the best interest of my family.” Keenan, who has two young children with his wife Kara, stated, “our kids are nine and 12 and are still at an age when they actually want us around.  To run for the office and do the job right if fortunate enough to prevail, will require sacrificing too many nights away from my young family.”

Secondly, “nor do I believe a race at this time is in the best interest of my district. Salem is at a critical juncture right now with the power plant closing. As House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, I couldn’t be in a better position to help in this transformative re-development.  For Salem, it’s far better that I’m at the top of the House rather than the bottom of the Senate. I am proud to be part of Speaker DeLeo’s leadership team.  We’re making the tough decisions to position the state to come out of this great recession.”

“I am running for re-election as state representative. It is a privilege and honor to serve and it is my hope that the constituents of Salem will send me back to complete the very important work at hand: redevelopment of the , renovation of the Probate Court, building the new MBTA garage, building a new wharf and completing the many capital projects at Salem State University.   I look forward to working with Senator Berry these final 14 months. The entire district will miss his clout and his incomparable sense of humor. I wish both him and Gayle a long, happy and healthy retirement. He’s earned it.”

Keenan concluded, “while it’s certainly nice to receive so many encouraging calls and texts, like Senator Berry, I just want to make my intentions clear as early as possible to enable other interested parties ample time to decide whether to take the plunge. It should certainly make for some interesting discussions around many Thanksgiving dinner tables next week.”

John Keenan is the State Representative for Salem and was first elected in 2004.