News/Campaigns

NBC News Chief: Matthews Isn’t Running

NBC News Chief Steve Capus indicated he does not think MSNBC host Chris Matthews will run for Senate, tamping down expectations the commentator would challenge Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) as a Democrat in 2010.

“[Chris Matthews] is not running for office,” Capus told Broadcasting & Cable. “Well, look, if he were running for office, he wouldn’t be on TV.”

Matthews has been reportedly mulling a bid for Senate in Pennsylvania amidst contract renegotiations with NBC. While speculation that Matthews would announced had reached a fever pitch weeks ago, chatter of a potential run has become more muted as signals that Matthews would re-up with NBC have emerged.