"The news that Scott won't be running again came as a surprise to me, as to many others. I've known him for many years and served with him in the state senate. I have great respect for his independence and bi-partisan record in the Senate. His decision not to be a candidate in the special election for the U.S. Senate is a great loss for the Commonwealth.
Today, our country faces many challenges. It's a time when we need to find common ground in order to begin to address the very real problems that threaten our future.

Scott's exit from the race was obviously unexpected. That said, in the coming days I will be talking with family, friends, and supporters to consider the best role that I can play in helping to bring new, alternative leadership to Washington.

Whoever our party puts forward as its nominee in this special and critically important election needs to embody the change that the people want and deserve. The American people want to see our government work again and our nation prosper. More of the same is not an option."