WASHINGTON _ Mark Begich said Thursday that he would not launch a write-in campaign for Senate in Alaska, ending weeks of speculation that the former senator was attempting an improbable comeback less than two years after losing re-election.
"I feel like it's not the right time for me or my family," he said during an interview on a local Alaska radio station.
Begich's decision is good news for Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who now remains a heavy favorite to win re-election in the red-tinted state. She faces underfunded Democratic nominee Ray Metcalfe and Libertarian Party nominee Joe Miller.
Miller defeated Murkowski in a Republican primary in 2010 but lost to her in the general election, when the incumbent launched a successful write-in campaign.
Begich excited many Democrats when he unexpectedly announced two weeks ago that he was considering a write-in campaign. His comments surprised even many of the former senator's allies, few of whom suspected he would run for Senate after narrowly losing to now-Sen. Dan Sullivan in the 2014 midterm elections.
But a belief that Begich was serious about considering a run intensified in the weeks that followed _ even if skepticism remained that he would ultimately enter the race.
Advisers said Begich was considering a run in part because he believed that Miller's presence on the ballot would take away conservative votes from Murkowski, leaving her vulnerable should Begich consolidate support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents.
"I will tell you it's been a tough decision over this last week especially," Begich said.
The onetime mayor of Anchorage is widely believed to be contemplating a run for governor in 2018. Asked directly on Thursday if he would begin a gubernatorial campaign, Begich deflected.
"We'll let the cards play out," he said.
