Mathews decides against Senate run

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Chris Matthews, the MSNBC host, has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania next year, a network spokesman says.

Matthews ended months of speculation by advising his team of producers of his plans, spokesman Jeremy Gaines told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Matthews, who is in contract talks with MSNBC, declined to comment.

For several months, Matthews, 63, explored the idea of seeking the Democratic nomination to take on Republican Sen. Arlen Specter. A speechwriter for former President Jimmy Carter, he often said being a senator was a dream of his.

Media critics said it would be unethical to keep Matthews on the air if he were serious about running. Network executives in recent weeks reportedly prodded him to decide.