- The Washington Times - Monday, December 3, 2018

Sen. John Kennedy announced Monday he will not be running for governor of his home state of Louisiana, saying he felt he could best serve his constituents in his current role.

The Republican senator, who has become known on Capitol Hill for his witty one-liners to the press, said he would decide whether to jump in the race this week, with local media reporting he was considered one of the favorites.

Mr. Kennedy said he wants to focus on the economy, jobs, health insurance, building a strong military and ending government waste as a member of the U.S. Senate.

“I am fortunate to sit on powerful Senate committees that provide a venue to do that,” Mr. Kennedy said.

He is not up for re-election until 2022.

The election for his state’s next governor is set for October, and two people have already joined the race.

Republican Eddie Rispone, a businessman, and Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, have already announced their candidacy, but local media reports said had Mr. Kennedy entered the race, he and Edwards would have been the favorites.

• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.

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