Mass Congressman Edward Markey begins campaign

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey of Malden began his campaign Saturday to succeed John Kerry in the U.S. Senate.

Markey made the rounds which included a visit to his Springfield supporters late Saturday afternoon.

Speaking during a reception at the Fort Restaurant in downtown Springfield, Markey said he'd continue to support President Obama's agenda, including a ban on assault weapons.

The Senate candidate stressed the importance of Western Massachusetts to his campaign.

“Western mass is going to be key to winning the election. And I'm going to be out here over and over again in order to earn the support of the voters of Western Mass. “

Congressman Stephen Lynch of Boston will oppose Markey in the April Democratic special primary election.

On the day Lynch announced his run for the former Kerry seat on Thursday, Lynch had also campaigned in Springfield.