Rep. Robert "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, announced Monday that he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2012, instead endorsing fellow Democrat and former Virginia governor Tim Kaine.
"Though I believe I can win the Democratic nomination and the general election, a winning campaign would require me to devote all of my time for the next 14 months to that campaign," Scott said in a statement. "This would mean that my work on issues critical to Virginians and other Americans would have to be postponed."
Since 1993, Scott has served as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's third congressional district, which stretches from Hampton Roads to Richmond.
In addition to his duties as governor from 2006 to 2010, Kaine also has served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Kyle Kondik, communications director for the University Center for Politics, said he was not surprised by Scott's decision to drop out of the race.
"I don't think it was ever evident that he was going to run," Kondik said. "[Scott] had an uphill run against Kaine ... If he ran, he would be trading a safe house seat for a competitive race to become a starting-out senator."
Kondik added that Kaine already receives significant support from both the president and Virginians, which he believes should make the primary election easier for the former governor.
Brandi Hoofine, Kaine's campaign spokesperson, said Kaine is "thrilled [Scott] has decided to run again in the House," citing Scott's leadership as something the commonwealth currently needs.
Scott's decision not to run was complicated by the congressional redistricting process in his area. Final action on congressional redistricting had been expected in April, but Scott said "it appears unlikely that the final passage of any plan will occur before November - possibly much later."
Scott and Kaine are now presenting themselves as friends and teammates in the media.
"Looking forward to attending [Scott]'s picnic this afternoon," Kaine tweeted Monday, referring to the Scott's 35th annual Labor Day picnic. At the picnic, Scott announced his endorsement and introduced Kaine. Kaine called Scott his longtime friend and colleague.
"I don't know the relationship between Kaine and Scott," Kondik said. "Democrats get behind Democrats in order to preserve party unity."
Scott said he will not rule out the possibility of running for higher office at another time in the future.
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