RFK's son won't run for Obama's former Senate seat

[August 19, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A son of the late Robert F. Kennedy says he won't run for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.

Chicago businessman Christopher Kennedy said it was a tough decision not to seek the seat now held by Sen. Roland Burris, who won't seek a full term after being appointed by ousted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Kennedy, a Democrat, made the announcement Tuesday.

He also looked at a possible run for governor and has decided against that too.

His absence from the Senate race means a February Democratic primary is shaping up between Chicago Urban League head Cheryle Jackson, a former top aide to Blagojevich, and first-term Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (jeh-NOO'-lee-ehs).

[Associated Press; By DEANNA BELLANDI]

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