Patrick Dempsey broke his silence on his future in the political sphere.Dempsey, 60, admitted he "gave it real thought" as he mulled over the idea of running for Senate in a Portland Press Herald op-ed published Wednesday.The "Grey's Anatomy" star wondered if he would be able to make a "meaningful difference" and encouraged elected officials to "put people before party" as he pondered effective leadership qualities.'GREY'S ANATOMY' ACTOR STEVEN W BAILEY BREAKS SILENCE ON RARE NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDER DIAGNOSISPatrick Dempsey discussed his interest in a government position.(Dave Benett/Getty Images for BAFTA)"Over the past several days, I’ve been asked a question more than once: Would you ever run for the United States Senate?" Dempsey wrote.
"It’s flattering, and I don’t take it lightly.I love my home state of Maine."I care deeply about the people who live there and, like so many Americans, I’m concerned about the direction our country is heading."Dempsey gave a run for office "real thought," but "not because I was looking for a new career, but because I asked myself an honest question: Could I make a meaningful difference?""I want someone who leads with empathy," he wrote.
"Someone who listens before speaking, who has the courage to work with people they disagree with and who understands that public office isn’t about power.It’s about service."LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSPatrick Dempsey, seen with Eric Dane, starred on "Grey's Anatomy" until 2015.
(Danny Feld/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)"Most of all, I want integrity.That may sound idealistic today, but it shouldn’t."Growing up in the Twin Cities of Maine, Dempsey learned "that dignity comes from work and from community," and acknowledged how many families built their lives around working in mills or lumber businesses, but those "opportunities disappeared.""I care deeply about the people who live there and, like so many Americans, I’m c...