Rep. Tsongas spurns fellow Rep. Capuano, backs Coakley

Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.) won't have the entire Massachusetts delegation behind his campaingn for Senate, as Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) is endorsing Martha Coakley.

Tsongas hinted that she might support Coakley in an interview with The Hill last month, but she made it official in an e-mail to supporters Wednesday. She is the only female member of the delegation and is also its newest, allowing her to depart from the tight-knit group, which is expected to back Capuano uniformly.

Capuano has the endorsements of Reps. Barney Frank, Stephen Lynch, James McGovern and John Tierney. The only members who haven't endorsed are Reps. Ed Markey, Richard Neal, Bill Delahunt and John Olver.

From Tsongas's letter:

Dear Friends,
 
I'm writing today to let you know that this afternoon, I will be endorsing Martha Coakley for the United States Senate.
 
Throughout her distinguished career, Martha has been a tireless and highly effective advocate for the citizens of this great Commonwealth.  Her proven track record from keeping the Commonwealth safe for our children and seniors to holding Wall Street and the big insurance companies accountable, is well known to the residents of Middlesex County and the communities of the Fifth Congressional District. 
 
We are fortunate to have so many great candidates running for this seat.  Alan Khazei and Steve Pagliuca have brought, and will continue to bring, new ideas and energy to the debate.  My colleague and friend Michael Capuano has made tremendous contributions to the Commonwealth during his decade representing the Eighth District in the House and I am honored to serve with him.