Ed Markey, Massachusetts Congressman, Announces Run For John Kerry Seat In Special Election

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) is running for the seat expected to be vacated by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) upon his confirmation as secretary of state, the Boston Globe reports Thursday.

"I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate because this fight is too important," Markey said in a statement to the Globe. ?There is so much at stake."

Markey is the first major candidate to announce a run, while Reps. Mike Capuano (D-Mass.) and Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) have also signaled interest in running. Defeated Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has not said what he will do, but would be a strong candidate in a special election given his personal popularity.

Markey, 66, is the longest-serving congressman in the state's delegation, having been elected to the House of Representatives in 1976. He represents suburbs north and west of Boston. He ran for Senate in 1984 and withdrew from the race, and considered a run after the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said he will in all likelihood appoint a caretaker to the seat to take Kerry's place, while a special election would probably occur in early in June.

Markey's office did not return a request for comment Thursday.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/27/ed-markey-massachusetts-special-election_n_2371490.html

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