State Sen. Jack Hart, who in recent weeks was seen as a finalist for the open job to lead the Massachusetts Bio-Technology Council, announced last Thursday that he was no longer a candidate for the position. Early this week, the council picked Robert Coughlin, a former state Rep. and Gov. Deval Patrick's undersecretary for business development as its new leader.

Hart's withdrawal from consideration quashed speculation about what candidates might emerge to compete in a race to fill his vacant senate seat.

"I no longer wish to be considered for the position of President & CEO of the Massachusetts Bio-Technology Council," said Hart in a statement released last week. "Although the MBC does important work and I am grateful for their interest in me, I have decided to remain in the Massachusetts Senate serving the wonderful people of the 1st Suffolk District."