As an undecided Arroyo fundraises, Rep. Walsh walks back pronouncement

City Councillor-at-Large Felix Arroyo: Letter signals potential mayoral bid.City Councillor-at-Large Felix Arroyo: Letter signals potential mayoral bid.City Councillor At-Large Felix Arroyo sent out a fundraising plea on Tuesday, saying he is “seriously considering” a mayoral run, while state Rep. Marty Walsh of Dorchester appeared to walk back statements saying he was officially in the race for City Hall’s top job.

In a statement blasted out on Tuesday afternoon, a Walsh spokeswoman said media reports “arrived at an inaccurate conclusion claiming that Rep. Marty Walsh formally announced his candidacy for Mayor of Boston. While Marty continues to talk to his family and friends and to listen to constituents about what they are seeking in the next mayor of Boston there has been NO formal announcement of his candidacy.”

“I said numerous times that it was my intention to run if Mayor Menino decided not to run,” Walsh said in a statement. “I intend to make an announcement about my candidacy at a later date, in an appropriate place. At that to be determined time, I look forward to sharing with Bostonians my background, record of achievement, and vision for the future of the city I love so much.”

Earlier in the day, the Boston Herald quoted Walsh as saying, “I’ve made my mind up. I’m very comfortable with my decision. I’m running for mayor…I’m making calls, and if other candidates announce, good luck to them.”

Meanwhile, Arroyo said he sent a fundraising email on Tuesday morning and mailed out hard copies on Monday night to thousands of supporters. “It’s a serious job that requires serious consideration,” he said outside City Hall.

Arroyo said he has his “family’s blessing” to run. “Now it’s about talking to my supporters and Boston voters.”

The size of his bank account will not affect whether he runs or not, he added.

In his fundraising email, Arroyo said, “The pundits say we need to raise $1 million to win. People may disagree with that estimate, but there is no doubt that a winning, grassroots mayoral campaign will require significant financial resources and a strong volunteer effort.”

Arroyo signed off with an appropriation of Mayor Thomas Menino’s campaign slogan, “Together, we will move Boston forward.” Menino said last week that he isn't running for a sixth term, setting up the first open race for mayor in decades.

City Councillor At-Large John Connolly joined the race in February, the first major candidate to do so. His campaign said yesterday that he raised $84,000 since Feb. 26.

Other potential candidates include Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley, District 7 Councillor Tito Jackson, District 5 Councillor Rob Consalvo and District 8 Councillor Michael Ross, among others.

The Herald reported on Tuesday that Conley is expected to jump into the race “within the next two days.”

The Globe reported on Monday that Gov. Deval Patrick’s public safety chief, Andrea Cabral, will not run for mayor.

Villages: