MA loses seniority in Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In just a few years, Massachusetts has lost both of its senior senators and with their departures, the state lost a lot of influence in Washington.

Now, Massachusetts residents are wondering how to fill the gap.

Tony Cignoli, a local political consultant, told 22News, “This was major seniority and clout for us and we all know how it works in Washington you have to have the relationships, you have to have the favor bank to be able to get things done."  

As Senator, John Kerry chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was a strong supporter of the defense industry in Massachusetts.

He fought for funding for Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield and Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.

Cignoli explained, "Kerry had been our super gun in that regard to make sure we didn't get hit any harder than we did over the last decade or so."

The Late Senator Ted Kennedy was in office for 47 years and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Influence in Washington isn't built overnight, which leaves freshman Senator Elizabeth Warren and whoever replaces Kerry at a disadvantage.

However, Kerry supporters say Massachusetts' loss is the nations' gain.

Monica Carlson of Beckett said, “If we have to weigh losing Kerry for a national position versus two junior senators I would take Kerry to replace such enormous shoes as Hillary Clinton."