(Lynnfield, MA) — Below please find former State Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei’s statement following Sen. Scott Brown’s announcement today that he won’t run in the upcoming special election for the U.S. Senate:

“The news that Scott won’t be running again came as a surprise to me, as to many others. I’ve known him for many years and served with him in the state senate. I have great respect for his independence and bi-partisan record in the Senate. His decision not to be a candidate in the special election for the U.S. Senate is a great loss for the Commonwealth.

Today, our country faces many challenges. It’s a time when we need to find common ground in order to begin to address the very real problems that threaten our future.

Scott’s exit from the race was obviously unexpected. That said, in the coming days, I will be talking with family, friends, and supporters to consider the best role that I can play in helping to bring new, alternative leadership to Washington.

Whoever our party puts forward as its nominee in this special and critically important election needs to embody the change that the people want and deserve. The American people want to see our government work again and our nation prosper. More of the same is not an option.”

(Lynnfield, MA) — Following is Congressional candidate Richard Tisei’s statement on the election results:

“This has been a long, hard-fought battle and I believe that the voters deserve better representation in Washington. That’s why I ran. Nonetheless, the election results are now fully in and Congressman Tierney retains a narrow lead. I congratulate him on his victory.

While I have concerns about reported irregularities in some areas of the district, I’ll leave any investigation of those matters to others. I’ll have no further comment on these matters.

I’m proud of our effort to bring change to Washington and for all of those wonderful people I’ve met along the way. It’s been the experience of a lifetime. I’m also grateful for all of those who’ve bravely stood up to be counted as we try to put our country back on track. There is no substitute for citizen involvement in building a better country. I encourage every American to get involved, stay involved, and make a difference.”

(Lynnfield, MA) – Congressional candidate Richard Tisei joined Senator Scott Brown and former Governor Bill Weld at Fanueil Hall in Boston for a rally on Sunday morning. Hundreds turned out to listen to the two candidates and former Governor charge up the crowd with their message about ending the gridlock and restoring bipartisanship in Washington, D.C.

“I was proud to stand next to two independent leaders this morning – Scott Brown and Bill Weld. If the huge crowd we had at this morning’s rally is any indication of how voters in Massachusetts feel, I’d say this state is ready to send bipartisan leadership to Washington. If my district sends me to Congress, I am committed to working across the aisle to deliver common sense solutions for those that I represent. Scott Brown has a proven record of independent leadership in the Senate and we must send him back. This has been a hard fought campaign for both of us, and it’s not over yet. Both Scott and I will continue our efforts to bring change to Washington straight through Tuesday, and hopefully, beyond.”

Tisei has served with both Senator Brown and Governor Weld during their tenures in the Massachusetts state legislature and governorship. Tisei has been endorsed by twenty-three North Shore papers including the Boston Globe and the Salem Evening News.