Mark Kelly says he has no plans to seek public office

[azmouse]

Quote:WASHINGTON -- Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of wounded Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, scoffed Friday at speculation that he might run for public office.

He joked that it must be a slow news summer and teased reporters at the National Press Club by saying he'd go into more detail about his future plans "next week when I visit Iowa and New Hampshire." The two states are favorite travel spots for aspiring presidential candidates.

"She (Giffords) is the politician in the family; I'm the space guy," Kelly said. "And I see no reason to change that now."

Kelly announced last week that he plans to retire from NASA and from the Navy, both effective Oct. 1. The Navy captain is a veteran of four space shuttle missions, most recently serving as commander of the shuttle flight in May.

His announcement created speculation that he might run for public office, possibly the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Jon Kyl or even for Giffords' seat.


Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/a...z1R3h7UPz1

I'd have to learn more about Mark Kelly but I would certainly consider voting for him should he ever decide to run for office. I like this guy.

[DFW]

Gabby has been a friend of mine for years. Mark is more the reserved silent type, only in the limelight now due to exactly this kind of speculation.

I haven't discussed this with either of them, of course, but here's my bet: Gabby is DETERMINED to recover to the point where she is a viable Congresswoman by the time the 2012 election season is here. If and only if she realistically sees herself as unable to resume her duties in the House will Mark permit his name to be considered as a replacement. this is Gabby's call, and I think she's sensible enough to make the right one when the time comes. Count on Mark to support her decision either way.