Sep 2, 2009 9:19 pm US/Eastern
Andy Card Considering Run for Senate
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Andy Card tells WBZ-TV he is considering a run for US Senate seat in Massachusetts.
Card, a Republican who served under President Reagan and both Presidents Bush, says he has received a lot of calls and emails from friends urging him to run.
"I am looking at it. I am doing the appropriate due dilligence," says Card.
He says he is a long way from making a decision.
"But I have the passion the care, the interests of Massachusetts and I will take an objective look at it, understanding that it requires a lot of forethought before you jump into one of these things," adds Card.
Card lives in McLean, Virginia now, but says he still considers Holbrook, Massachusetts, his home.
He says, "I am passionate about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the people who live there, and the concerns they have. It is my home. I've always considered it to be my home."
He knows the challenges facing a Republican candidate for this seat, held by Senator Ted Kennedy and President John Kennedy. But he says he believes there is an opportunity.
"I know Massachusetts is considered a blue state, but I know there are a lot of red blooded people running around the Commonwealth."
What are the most important factors in his decision. The first is personal. His wife, who is a minister, has just been assigned to a church in McClean, VA, on July 1st. They met the 5th grade in Holbrook and have been married for 42 years.
Card says, "I want to help her as she meets tremendous challenge through the calling that she accepted. That personal challenge is something I'm weighing heavily."
Critics say Card's work with President George W. Bush could be a liability. Card says he will not shy away from his experience.
"I wouldn't run away from what I have done. It's a tremendous honor to be asked by a president to help him or her do the job." He says he supported all three Presidents, and gave them the best advice and council, but he is his own person.
Card has the national name recognition that could help him raise money in a short period of time, which is necessary in this special election scheduled for January.
Other names being considered in the Republican field are State Senator Scott Brown, former Lt. Governor Kerry Healy, and former US Attorney Michael Sullivan.
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