By Katherine Gregg

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed has decided against running for Congress, for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy.

Kennedy's unexpected announcement last week that he was not running for reelection, after more than 15 years representing the 1st District, prompted politicians at all levels of state and local government to "seriously'' evaluate their own interest in the job. Paiva Weed, D-Newport, was among them.

But in a statement issued Thursday afternoon, she said she intended to remain as Senate president for the following reasons:

"Our state is facing high unemployment and a severe budget shortage. As Senate president, it is my priority to guide our body in making critical decisions to build our economy, support the development of new industries and lift those who have lost their jobs by providing them with skills training.

"I am committed to the Senate,'' she said, "committed to my constituents in Newport and Jamestown and committed to working with the House and the governor to carve a new bright path for Rhode Island,'' she said.