Ben Affleck says he's not running for U.S. Senate

Ben Affleck is interviewed by Bob Schieffer for the December 23rd edition of "Face the Nation." / undefined

BOSTON Take actor and director Ben Affleck off the list of potential candidates for U.S. Sen. John Kerry's seat if the Massachusetts Democrat is confirmed as Secretary of State as expected.

The "Argo" director said in a posting on his Facebook page Monday that he would not be running for political office.

"I love Massachusetts and our political process, but I am not running for office," Affleck wrote. "Right now it's a privilege to spend my time working with Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), supporting our veterans, drawing attention to the great many who go hungry in the U.S. everyday and using filmmaking to entertain and foster discussion about issues like our relationship to Iran."

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Affleck doesn't close door on Senate run

The politically active Affleck, who grew up in Cambridge, did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS' Face The Nation on Sunday, though he did say he's "really happy being involved from the outside in government."".

Affleck founded the East Congo Initiative, a nonprofit organization that helps direct humanitarian aid to the war-torn region. He recently testified before a House committee about the crisis there.

He said he expected a number of "phenomenal" candidates in Massachusetts for Kerry's seat.

• Watch: Ben Affleck for Senate?

[RollotheNorman]

No brainer, he makes a lot more money making movies and doesn't have to put up with near the crap.

[Type_Z]

Let's hope not.

[sweetcakesmaria]

Affleck as an actor has been active in pushing a few humanitarian issues but he has zero experience in government. He should probably seek a lesser position in government just to gain some political experience and allow the American public to know more about him.

[TJphoto]

According to the Constitution the only requirements are 1.Be a US citizen for at least nine years when elected to the Senate. 2. Be at least 30 years of age. 3. Be a resident of the state that the Senator represents. Couldn't find anything about "Experience". The education system has failed us.

[UneducatedWorkingMan]

Funny, they said the same about our President. But looks like he's doing just fine.

[magnumdr]

I don't blame him. Who would want to be a part of this group of liars anyways.

[knsn_for_cmn_sense]

Well. Actors have been a TRAIN WRECK in the past. Reagan, Thompson etc...

Probably a good thing.

[Marshall119]

Assume you don't mean the Reagan that became one of our most revered and highly successful Presidents.

[quantum_analysis]

YO_YO_JOE says: "it looks like the first of my predictions will come true."

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LOL! None of your highly-partisan idiotic predictions will ever become true, and it seems as if your faux nooz facts and "dittohead speak" is nonsense!

[yojoe1]

This guy Affleck went before congress and ask that we interfere in Sudan. I wonder when we send troops to Sudan, many will die, is this AFFLECK guy going to lead the charge with the Marines or the Army or is he going to stay in HOLLYWOOD and with his buddies George Clooney and Brad Pitt and cheer our troops on !!! Sorry, will give you only one guess!!!
As I predicted prior to the election of Hollywood Obama, that if he is re-elected we will send troops to Africa and billions of dollars, it looks like the first of my predictions will come true.

[KrissyTina9]

Mr. Affleck advocates for the Eastern Congo Initiative (completely different country), and did not ask to send troops anywhere. Please to get your facts straight.

[erasure025]

What's your point? George Dubya Bush ran away from service and started two wars.