Scott Brown considering run for governor

Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) confirmed on Monday that he is considering a run for governor in 2014, considered by Republicans in the state to be his likeliest path back to public office after he declined to run in Massachusetts' special Senate election.

"I'm going to keep all options open. I'm not going to be one of those 'ooh I'm really not thinking about it.' Of course I'm thinking about it. I'm thinking about a lot of different things," he told a local Fox affiliate on Monday night.

"But right now the best thing I can do for myself and for my piece of mind, and I think for the people of Massachusetts, is just to hang tight and recharge and be active," he added.

Recharging for Brown will include a stint as a Fox News commentator, as well as a position on the board of a Massachusetts paper company. Sources in the state say he is looking into further private sector work, including potentially a position at a law firm.

The former senator was long considered Massachusetts Republicans' best chance at regaining a seat in the upcoming special election to replace Secretary of State John Kerry (D-Mass.), but after running two tough races in three years, Brown decided against launching yet another bid.

His decision not to run shook up the Republican field and left the party with a handful of third-tier candidates to pursue the seat. Democratic Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch will face off in their party's primary.

But going into 2014, Republicans are optimistic about their chances to take the governor's mansion. Brown would be a strong contender in the race, and Democrats have a relatively thin bench of potential candidates for the gubernatorial race.

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