Barney Frank Not Running in 2012; Change in Store for Attleboro

CNN is reporting this morning that U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-4th) will not seek re-election in 2012. 

The 16-term Newton Democrat that he was planning to run in 2012. However, reports today say he will hold a press conference this afternoon at Newton City Hall to announce he will not run.

The Fourth District , giving more Worcester and Norfolk county towns to Frank including Milford and part of Bellingham. And Attleboro was redistricted into Frank's district for 2012.

"Many of us expected that Congressman Barney Frank would have to really do some sole searching if he wanted to run for re-election due to the changes with the recent re-districting," said Susan Blais of the Attleboro Republican Committee. "When Mr. Frank lost New Bedford and picked up more of the Attleboro area, people started to talk about this looking like an open seat race in 2012.

Blais said she's excited about the possibility of great Republicans running for Congress next year. 

"I know there are a few in the Attleboro area that might be interested in running if they had the support," she said. "There are members of the Attleboro Republican City Committee that have expressed interest in going higher in elective office. I just don't know yet who is ready at this time or if they are interested in that seat or just a higher one in general verse City government."

"Also, a great Candidate has already stepped forward in Elizabeth Childs and many are hoping that Sean Bielot thinks about running again," she added.

Frank .

Former State Rep. Bill Bowles of Attleboro said Rep. Barney has contributed greatly to making Massachusetts and the nation a better place to live. "He could always be counted on to advocate for the middle class, as well as for the poor and those constituencies who often need a voice in government," Bowles said. "Although I did not always agree with him, I always appreciated his strong voice for democratic principles."

"There are many wonderful qualified democratic candidates in Attleboro who I'm sure are looking at the possibility of moving up politically," said newly elected City Councilor Jeremy Denlea. "We are blessed in Attleboro to have such a great number of civil services and I very much look forward to helping whoever becomes the democratic nominee win the seat next year."