Harmony Wu decides not to run against Steve Lynch

Harmony Wu, who was considering a run for congress against Steve Lynch after his vote against health care reform last month, has decided not to run. I received the news through a Facebook message from the "Draft Harmony Wu" Facebook group.

So now it's between Steve Lynch and Phil Dunkelbarger in November, it seems.

Harmony's message below the fold.

Dear Friends,

After careful consideration, I have decided not to run in the Democratic primary for the MA 9th Congressional Seat.

Over the last two weeks, I have met with numerous people to address the many aspects of a potential campaign against Mr. Lynch. The ability to maintain my family life during the campaign and as a member of Congress has always been an important factor for me, as it has been for so many women seeking and serving in office. In my case, it prevents me from launching what would be a vigorous campaign and if elected, committing to a life that would require far too much time away from family at this moment in our lives. In the end, this is the decisive factor for me.

I am enormously appreciative of all the support and encouragement I’ve received over the past two weeks. It has made this decision that much more difficult. Though I will not be running in this election, some important and potentially game-changing results have come out of this process. Most prominently, the support and excitement for my potential candidacy indicates very clearly that it is past time for Mr. Lynch to be held accountable for his decisions as our representative.

Primaries are one way to demand accountability, and I hope a progressive candidate will step forward to challenge Mr. Lynch. But there are other avenues of advocacy, too, and we must take the long view. While we presently do not have a primary challenge, we do now have a community of citizens, inside and outside of our district, who are putting Mr. Lynch on notice and demanding change. And when we have a community focused on action, we can make that change happen.

Our voices must be heard. I hope you will join me in this effort to insist on a more responsive Congressional representative for the 9th, and to create a space in our district for progressive values which I know I share with other ordinary people throughout the 9th.

Please continue the discussion with me this weekend, Sunday, April 11, at 4PM, to meet face-to-face, and strategize the next steps for working for a new political landscape for the Massachusetts 9th Congressional District (RSVP info below). It would be a great personal pleasure for me to meet and thank in person some of the many people who have put fire to this cause and offered me their support.

With much gratitude,

Harmony Wu