by KATHERINE GREGG
Providence Journal State House Bureau

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Nicholas Pell, the 32-year-old grandson of the late U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, has decided against running for Congress in Rhode Island.

An investment banker in New York, Pell issued a statement on Tuesday in which he said:

"I will not be running for the open seat in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District this fall.

"While I am eager to participate in leading Rhode Island and this country through these challenging times, I simply do not feel that I can balance the rigor of a condensed campaign period with the birth of my first child in June. My family is my number one priority, and even with my wife's gracious support, I do not believe the timing would enable me to give my family the attention they deserve during this exciting time.''

"Thank you to everyone who was interested in and supportive of my potential candidacy. I look forward to staying engaged in building a brighter future for Rhode Island.''

Two high profille Democrats announced their own candidacies days after U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy said he would not be running for reelection: Providence Mayor David Cicilline, and Bill Lynch, who headed the state Democratic Party for 12 years. Republican state Rep. John Loughlin of Tiverton is also running.