Prominent Massachusetts Democrats endorse Markey for Senate

By Alexandra Jaffe - 01/24/13 05:52 PM ET

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley and state Treasurer Steve Grossman endorsed Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) in his bid for Senate on Thursday, adding to the long list of Democrats lining up behind the only announced candidate in the special election so far.

Coakley received the party's nomination in the last special election, when she lost to former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), who is expected to run again in this election. And Grossman is one of the likely contenders for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014.

"Massachusetts needs a leader and champion with the energy, ability and proven experience to tackle the great challenges of our day and help lead us to an even brighter future. There is no person better for the job than Ed Markey, and I am proud to support him as our next United States Senator," Coakley said in her endorsement of the congressman, citing his work on women's rights and efforts on gun control.

Grossman noted that he had known Markey for more than 40 years in his endorsement.

“The same strong values he learned growing up in Malden drive him today: integrity, fairness, and opportunity for all,” Grossman said. “Ed combines these principles with passion and creativity that make him not only a valued colleague but also an effective leader both here in Massachusetts and in Washington.”

These endorsements come the day after Markey received the backing of a number of mayors and state legislators in the state.

And Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), whose seat Markey is planning to pursue if Kerry is confirmed as secretary of State, as is expected, and Victoria Kennedy, the widow of former Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), have all endorsed Markey as well.

That, coupled with the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, makes him the clear front-runner in any potential Democratic primary. And most other viable candidates have already said they have no plans to run; state Sen. Ben Downing decided against it, and shortly after, Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.) said he would not be entering the race either.

That leaves only Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) as a possible primary challenger for Markey, and while sources say he has been preparing for a run by pursuing support in the state, particularly among union groups, he has not yet officially entered the race.