Curt Schilling Considering Run For Ted Kennedy's Senate Seat (VIDEO)
BOSTON — Curt Schilling, the former major league pitcher who won the allegiance of Bostonians by leading the Red Sox to the 2004 World Series, said Wednesday that he has "some interest" in running for the seat held for nearly 50 years by Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Schilling, a registered independent and longtime Republican supporter, wrote on his blog that while his family and video game company, 38 Studios, are high priorities, "I do have some interest in the possibility."
"That being said, to get to there, from where I am today, many, many things would have to align themselves for that to truly happen," he added.
Any other comment "would be speculation on top of speculation," Schilling said, adding, "My hope is that whatever happens, and whomever it happens to, this state makes the decision and chooses the best person – regardless of sex, race, religion or political affiliation – to help get this state back to the place it deserves to be."
State election law would limit Schilling to running solely as an independent candidate because it requires those seeking a major party nomination to have been enrolled in that party for at least 90 days before the Nov. 3 deadline for filing nomination papers with the state Elections Division.
Schilling told New England Cable News that he has been contacted "by people whose opinion I give credence to," but he did not elaborate. He declined to comment when The Associated Press called his office.
The 42-year-old lives in suburban Medfield and campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2004 and Sen. John McCain in 2008.
As a player, he won three World Series, in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox. He became a Sox legend when he won Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series while blood from an injured ankle seeped through his sock. He also pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, helping them reach the 1993 World Series. He retired in March.
He and his wife, Shonda, have four children ages 7 to 14.
Reaction among the Red Sox was decidedly jovial Wednesday.
"If he runs, good luck," said first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "I don't know if I'd want to do that job."
Team manager Terry Francona said Schilling should do whatever makes him happy but noted, "I don't think he'd want me as his campaign manager."
So far, no major Republicans have taken out nomination papers to be a candidate in the Jan. 19 special election. Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and state Sen. Scott Brown are among those considering campaigns.
Democrats said to be considering a campaign include U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch of Boston, Michael Capuano of Somerville and John Tierney of Salem, as well as Kennedy's nephew former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II.
So far, only state Attorney General Martha Coakley has taken out papers for a Democratic campaign, though she has refused to make any follow-up comment.
Kennedy died last week at age 77 from a brain tumor. A special election to replace him is scheduled for Jan. 19, although the Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill that would allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint someone to the seat on an interim basis during the campaign.
That bill is the subject of a hearing next week.
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AP freelance writer Mark Didtler in St. Petersburg, Fla., contributed to this report.
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On the Net:
Schilling's blog: http://38pitches.weei.com
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GLEN JOHNSON | 09/ 2/09 10:52 PM |