Ben Affleck says he won’t run for US Senate

Ben Affleck speaks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Evolving Security Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Implications for U.S. National Security at Rayburn House Office Building on December 19, 2012 in Washington, DC. AFP FILE PHOTO

BOSTON – Ben Affleck is taking his name off the list of possible candidates for John Kerry’s seat in the U.S. Senate, which would be open if the Democratic senator from Massachusetts is confirmed as secretary of state.

Affleck said in a Monday posting on his Facebook page that while he loves the political process, he will not be running for public office.

Speculation about the Massachusetts native rose slightly when he did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS on Sunday.

In his Facebook posting, Affleck said he would continue working with the Eastern Congo Initiative, a non-profit organization that helps direct humanitarian aid to the war-torn region, and for other causes.

Affleck said Kerry would make a great secretary of state.