By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Edward Kennedy Jr., the Connecticut-based son of the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, says he has decided not to run for the Massachusetts Senate seat that will become vacant if U.S. Sen. John Kerry is confirmed as Secretary of State.

The 51-year-old health care lawyer issued a statement Monday saying he’s “extremely grateful for all of the offers of support” he has received from people urging him to run, including his father’s former colleagues. But he said he considers Connecticut his home.

Kennedy did not rule out running for public office entirely, saying he has a “strong desire” to serve and hopes to have that opportunity “at another point in my future.”

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will be required to appoint someone to fill Kerry’s seat pending a special election.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)