Brookline's Jesse Mermell Not Running for Congress

Selectwoman Jesse Mermell announced by e-mail and Twitter this morning that she does not intend to run for the Democratic nomination for the Fourth Congressional District seat. Mermell's name had been suggested by some sources as a replacement after at the end of November. 

Mermell's announcement leaves the Democratic race, formally, where it stood previously, with Brookline's Jules Levine and  running. We hear  as well, and has launched an exploratory committee for the Fourth District. 

On the Republican side,  recently tweeted his plans to make an announcement later this month regarding another run for Congress. Brookline School Committee member and Republican Elizabeth Childs has already announced she will run for the Republican nomination.

The full text of Mermel's e-mail is below:

Greetings! 

In the weeks since Congressman Barney Frank announced he would retire at the end of his current term, I have been touched by the encouragement and support from so many of you urging me to run for Congress. Today, I wanted you to be first to know that I have decided not to run.

I am incredibly grateful for the kind words and backing offered by so many. It made the possibility of a run that much more real and meaningful. I believe we could have mounted a competitive campaign focused on the issues important to the people of the 4th Congressional District. However, I ultimately decided that the best path for me currently lies elsewhere. 

I remain dedicated to public service, both as a Brookline Selectman and as State Director for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. There are immense challenges before us on the local, state, and national levels. It is incumbent on all of us to play our part, and help lead the debate in the right direction. 

This is a critically important election year. We must do everything we can to make sure the right Democrat succeeds Congressman Frank, that Senator Scott Brown is replaced by someone who puts Massachusetts' interests ahead of national Republican demagoguery, and that President Obama is overwhelmingly reelected. 

I am committed to working with you throughout 2012 and beyond on these important races and issues. Thank you again for your support.

All my best for continued good health and success in the New Year. 

Sincerely,

Jesse