Reaction to Rep. Markey's planned Senate run

BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts U.S. Representative Edward Markey will run for John Kerry's Senate seat if Kerry is confirmed by his fellow Senators to become the nation's new Secretary of State.

Markey, who is the dean of the state's congressional delegation, issued a statement Thursday saying he's decided to run for Kerry's seat. 22News political consultant Tony Cignoli said the relationships Markey has on a national level in his areas of expertise, like energy, would be a huge benefit for the commonwealth.

“So much of our newer emerging technologies in Massachusetts are energy based, and Ed Markey has those connections throughout the United States,” said Cignoli. “Hopefully it might mean he could bring some business to Massachusetts.”

The special election for Kerry's seat is expected to be crowded, especially among Democrats, who have no clear front-runner. Senator Scott Brown would be the Republican favorite if he decides to run for the seat.