R.I.P. 'Healey for Governor' Hopes

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey "absolutely" won't be running for higher office, likely dashing the dreams of Democrats who'd hoped she'd challenge Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018.

She gave the definitive response to FOX25 News in an exclusive interview this week.

Were she to run against Baker, Healey would face a tough fight against the immensely popular Republican governor and his unprecedentedly well-heeled campaign war chest. In addition, polls show her name recognition is relatively low around the state.

That last challenge could, however, prove moot in the next round of polling, thanks to her newly rolled out and highly controversial assault weapons ban enforcement action. Then again, that too would have complicated her climb toward higher office, no doubt putting in play money from gun rights advocacy groups out to impede her path.

The AG has been under fire for a decision to, as she says, "crack down" on weapons she believes qualify as "copycat" or "duplicates" under the state's existing assault weapons ban. That's prompted passionate backlash from gun advocates and owners around the state, and beyond Massachusetts borders.

In Healey's first sit-down interview since enacting that enforcement policy, she answers many of critics' most pressing questions: "Why didn't she go through the legislature?" "Was the move some kind of political stunt?"

Watch the full interview with FOX's Sharman Saccheti here.

>> Photo courtesy FOX 25