Boston Pols Expect Competitive Race For Mayor's Seat

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Boston's longest-serving mayor, Thomas Menino, formally announced that he won't be seeking re-election for a sixth term.

The popular Democratic mayor made the announcement Thursday at Faneuil Hall.

Speaking with WBZ-TV City Councilor John Connolly, the only candidate to enter into the mayoral race, said he wouldspend the day thanking Menino.

"Today isn't about the campaign but about thanking a living legend for his service to this city and the thousands of lives he has touched and made a difference." Connolly said. "This man has poured his heart and soul into the city and we should say thank you."

Connolly said he doesn't think he'll be lonely for long in the mayoral race.

"I'm going to run my own campaign but today, I'm going to spend the vast majority of this day saying thank you to Mayor Menino," he said.

WBZ-TV's Jon Keller says he believes more candidates will enter the race in the 72-hours after Menino's announcement.

Bill Linehan and Matt O'Malley are the only two City Councilors who have announced that they will not run for Mayor.

"He's left a greater city than he inherited and he's got a great legacy to look back on. It's a reason to celebrate but a reason to be sad and reflect," City Councilor Mark Ciommo said.

City Council President Steve Murphy says Menino gave his life and soul to the city of Boston, "Today it's Tom Menino day in the city. Anyone else's decision pales in comparison."

Will Murphy run for Mayor? "No, I can't say that at this point in time. This is Tom Menino's day and he deserves all the accolades we can give him."

Former District Attorney Ralph Martin would not comment on whether he will run for mayor.

Councilor Mike Ross said, "At the heart of it with Mayor Menino is the people. It's always been about the people."

Is Ross eying a run? "There will be plenty of time to run about this. What my plans are what my colleagues plans are. But I think today is about Tom Menino. And I'm happy to keep it that way."

Councilor Tito Jackson's response to the news? "I was sad," he says. Will he run for Mayor? "Today is the Mayor's day and we all should be focusing on the mayor and the things he has done. We should go back and talk to our families and make decisions on our own. But today we offer honor and a big smile and a hug."

Councilor Ayanna Pressley shared similar sentiments. "I'm in a reflective mood and grateful for his service and sacrifice," she said.

Last week, State Representative Marty Walsh said he would run if, and only if, the Mayor was not going to run. What does he say today? "I'm not going to talk about that today. Today is Tom Menino's day. He deserves all the credit and accolades he is getting."

Councilman Charles Yancy says people have been asking him for years if he aspires to be mayor.

"It's a position that's a very significant one," Yancy said. "I'm not ruling anything out."

Yancy and other city councilors may be keeping quiet for now but they do agree, the next six months will be interesting.

Suffolk County DA Dan Conley says he is considering a run and will discuss it with his family.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson contributed to this report.

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