Kerry says he won't run for president in 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic Sen. John Kerry, who fell short of the White House in 2004, said Wednesday he will not run for president in 2008.

His decision leaves a field of nine potential Democratic candidates, including Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois and John Edwards, Kerry's vice presidential running mate.

The Republican field is similarly crowded, with President George W. Bush constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in office.

Officials said Kerry would seek a new six-year term in the Senate in 2008.