Curtatone: 'I Haven't Considered Running for Anything Other Than Mayor'

With a special election planned in June to fill soon-to-be Secretary of State John Kerry's seat in the United States Senate and with an election to replace Gov. Deval Patrick set for next year, political watchers have been speculating about who will run not just for Kerry's seat, but for other high public offices in Massachusetts that could soon be up for grabs.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone's name has been suggested as a possible candidate for higher office—governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. representative—but Curtatone, at least now, said he's focused on running again for mayor.

"I haven't considered running for anything other than mayor," Curtatone said in a phone conversation Wednesday.

"I have a love and a passion to do this job," he said, adding he's pursuing his reelection with energy. He said, "I'm not focused on anything but doing the mayor's job."

Curtatone didn't categorically say he wouldn't run for higher office, and he said "it's flattering to be mentioned" as a potential candidate.

"We're all caught up in the season of speculation," he said.

The speculation comes from the inevitable domino effect that takes place when a long-time senator and a two-term governor are set to leave office.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Malden) has officially announced he will seek Kerry's Senate seat, and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) is likely to run, though as of Wednesday night he had not officially announced.

Should one of them win election to the Senate, it could lead to a wide-open field of candidates who would like a job in Congress.

The field of potential gubernatorial candidates who might run in 2014 is even more wide open, especially now that Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray has said he won't run.

The Boston Globe named State Treasurer Steve Grossman, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Somerville) and Curtatone. The Phoenix also throws State Sen. Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster) and former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang into the mix, while suggesting Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley would be the strongest candidate, if she runs.

If Capuano stepped down to run for governor, it would open up a congressional seat that might tempt Curtatone and several Boston politicians, according to more speculation.

On a special episode of SCATV's "Greater Somerville," host Joe Lynch spoke with WBZ's Jon Keller about the political field and Curtatone's future.

Keller said of Somerville's mayor, "He's a young, attractive guy [and] politically savvy," adding he sees no reason Curtatone wouldn't run for higher office. Plus, Keller said, "Somerville in recent years has a reputation as a pretty dynamic city, a city with a lot of creative ideas being attempted … a city that's on the move, and I think a lot of that credit accrues to the mayor."

For an interesting conversation about all of this, you can watch the "Greater Somerville" episode here.

Curtatone offers no endorsement yet in Senate race

As for the race to replace Kerry, a primary is scheduled for April 30. In regard to Markey and Lynch's candidacies, Curtatone said, "At this time I haven't made a decision to support either candidate."

He said of the primary process, "it's good to have choices."

More

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UPDATE: Lynch Uncertain About Senate Run

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