Ben Affleck says he won't run for US Senate

BOSTON (AP) - Ben Affleck is taking his name off the list of possible candidates for John Kerry's seat in the US Senate, which would be open if the Democratic senator from Massachusetts is confirmed as secretary of state.

Affleck says in a Monday posting on his Facebook page that while he loves the political process, he will not be running for public office.

Speculation about the Massachusetts native rose slightly when he did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS on Sunday.

In his Facebook posting, Affleck says he would continue working with the Eastern Congo Initiative, a nonprofit organisation that helps direct humanitarian aid to the war-torn region, and for other causes. Affleck says Mr Kerry would make a great secretary of state.