Lynch decides against Kennedy seat

BOSTON -- U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch has decided against running in the special election to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.

In a statement Tuesday, the Democrat said "the challenge of putting together the resources and organization necessary to wage a competitive statewide campaign in less than 90 days is insurmountable."

The decision leaves Rep. Michael Capuano as the only Massachusetts congressman planning to run for the seat. He is planning to announce later this week.

Attorney General Martha Coakley was the first Democrat to formally declare.

Kennedy died Aug. 25 of brain cancer.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)