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Bielat, Khazei Consider Running For Barney Frank's Seat

BOSTON (CBS) - The man who ran unsuccessfully in an attempt to unseat Barney Frank in 2010 says he is "very seriously considering" running again.

Barney Frank announced Monday that he will not seek reelection at the conclusion of his term in 2013. The Democrat has served the fourth Congressional district of Massachusetts since 1981.

Former political opponent Sean Bielat said he believes that Frank isn't running because the redistricting didn't work out as Frank had hoped. Bielat believes the new fourth district is more competitive.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports

Bielat told WBZ-TV he is temporarily living with his wife's family in the Philadelphia area, but plans to move back to Frank's district. He said he is running a start-up that he hopes will build a political social networking platform.

The retired Marine has a federal campaign account and said he recently raised about $20,000.

He said he has everything in place and could easily "flip the switch" to run again.

City Year Founder Alan Khazei says wasn't expecting this news and he is thinking about a run. He's fresh off a campaign for U.S. Senate. He says he needs to put some thought into it, and talk with family and friends.

Sources close to District Attorney Sam Sutter says he will make an announcement next week.

Some Democrats are also floating the name of Brookline Selectwoman Jesse Mermell. She helped organize a massive "Get out the Vote" effort in the 2010 campaign.

In addition to Bielat, Former Mental Health Commissioner Elizabeth Child's is in the race.

Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson is considering a run as well.

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