Affleck not running for Kerry's seat

BOSTON (AP) -- Take actor and director Ben Affleck off the list of potential candidates for U.S. Sen. John Kerry's seat if the Massachusetts Democrat is confirmed as Secretary of State.

Affleck said in a posting on his Facebook page Monday that he would not be running for political office.

The politically active Affleck, who grew up in Cambridge, did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS' Face The Nation on Sunday, though he did say he enjoyed being involved from the outside of government.

Affleck said in the posting that he planned to continue his work with the East Congo Initiative, a nonprofit organization that helps direct humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

He said he expected a number of "phenomenal" candidates in Massachusetts for Kerry's seat.