Former Red Sox Pitcher Schilling Pondering Senatorial Run

Registered independent and outspoken Republican supporter Curt Schilling has expressed interest in running for the seat held by Edward Kennedy. The former pitcher won the allegiance of Bostonians by leading the Red Sox to two World Series titles.

As a player Schilling won two World Series with the Boston Red Sox, in 2004 and 2007. He became a Red Sox folk hero when he won Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series while pitching with blood from an injured ankle seeping through his sock. He won another World Series ring in 2001 while with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 42 year-old Schilling lives in suburban Medfield, MA. He famously campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2004 and Sen. John McCain in 2008. So far, no major Republicans have taken out nomination papers to be a candidate in the January 19, 2010 special election. Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and state Senator Scott Brown are among those considering campaigns. Massachusetts state election law would limit Schilling to running solely as an independent because it requires those seeking a major party nomination to have been enrolled in that party for at least 90 days before the Nov. 3 and the deadline for filing nomination papers with the state Elections Division. The eventuality of Senator Kennedy’s seat being won by a Republican would be a major coup for the party as a recent poll has named Massachusetts the most liberal state in the Union. Schilling told New England Cable News’ Brad Puffer that he has been contacted "by people whose opinion I give credence to," though he offered no further elaboration. He stated on his Web page, 38pitches.com, “While my family is obviously the priority, and 38 Studios is a priority, I do have some interest in the possibility. That being said, to get to there from where I am today, many many things would have to align themselves for that to truly happen. I am not going to comment further on the matter since at this point it would be speculation on top of speculation.” So far, only state Attorney General Martha Coakley has taken out papers for a Democratic campaign, though she has refused to make any follow-up comment. Other Democrats said to be considering a campaign include U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch of Boston, Michael Capuano of Somerville and John Tierney of Salem, as well as Kennedy's nephew former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II. Senator Edward Kennedy died last week at age 77 from a brain tumor. A special election to replace him is scheduled for January 19, 2010, although the Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill that would allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint someone to the seat on an interim basis during the campaign. That bill is the subject of a hearing next week.