Mark Foley decides against a return to politics

Former Rep. Mark Foley, who resigned from Congress after it was revealed he had sent sexual messages to teenage boys who served as House pages, has decided against a return to politics — at least for now.

The Florida Republican had been flirting with a run for mayor of West Palm Beach. But last night, Foley told listeners of his weekly radio show that despite his "God-given talents," he didn't want to commit to the time-consuming job. Among other things, the now-openly-gay ex-congressman cited the effects of the job on his partner and his family.

"My entire political life, my family and partner have been at my side," Foley said, according to the Palm Beach Post's Andrew Abramson. "I'm at a stage where I have to think of him too. This is not just a personal decision. It affects others."

While he declined to rule out a run in the future, Foley said, "Now is not the time."

(Photo of Foley: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)