BOSTON -- Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card will not run for the seat of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, NewsCenter 5 political reporter Janet Wu learned Friday night.

Card, a Republican and Holbrook native, was considered a strong candidate because of his national and foreign policy experience in the administration of President George W. Bush.

Card was the person who informed Bush of the Sept. 11 attack on America.

Card had said that he would have to weigh personal considerations in making the decision. Card's wife, a minister, had just accepted a new job at a church in McLean, Va.

"The decision is what I believe to be in the best interest of my family. Now is not the right time for me to enter a political race," Card said.

With Card out of the race, it seems likely that State Rep. Scott Brown of Wrentham will become a candidate. Brown had said he would not run if Card was running.

"He (Scott Brown) has my full support.," Card said.

The only announced Republican candidate is Canton selectman Bob Burr.