MA SEN: Markey Won't Run For Kennedy Seat
Rep. Ed Markey (D-07), one of the biggest names eyeing a bid to replace the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D) in the Senate, announced this p.m. that he will not seek Kennedy's seat, ending nearly two weeks of speculation and opening the door for more contenders to jump into what's likely to be a competitive 12/8 Dem primary.
In a statement, Markey said that he believed he could wield his legislative clout better as a senior House member than as a freshman in the Senate.
Markey: "I have had the honor to serve the people of the Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 33 years, and am now the eighth most senior Democrat. I believe that my leadership positions and seniority in the House allow me to accomplish more for my Congressional District and for Massachusetts. I have therefore decided not to become a candidate for the Senate."
Markey, chair of the Energy Independence and Global Warming Cmte and co-author with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) of the House climate bill, has built a reputation as a nat'l leader on climate change. He is also the dean of MA's cong. delegation, and had he sought the seat, would have brought his name ID and a hefty $2.8M warchest to the fight.
With Markey out, the Dem field so far stands at three: Reps. Michael Capuano (D-08) and Stephen Lynch (D-09), who have both pulled nomination papers from the sec/state's office, and AG Martha Coakley (D), the only Dem to have officially announced a bid.
In the latest Rasmussen poll, conducted 9/8, Coakley pulled in 38% among likely Dem primary voters, while Lynch garnered 11%, Markey 10%, and Capuano 7%.
(FELICIA SONMEZ)
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