Kerry to visit Spfld on "thank you" tour of the state

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Sen. John Kerry, who on Tuesday was confirmed as the nation's next Secretary of State, will be visiting Springfield on Thursday to thank supporters as he leaves the Senate seat he has held for 28 years.

Kerry is scheduled to visit Youthbuild’s Springfield location at the YWCA, Thursday morning.    

He will be thanking supporters who helped on his many campaigns over the years, which included five U.S. Senate races, a Presidential contest, and a race for Lieutenant Governor.

Among the most memorable moments in Kerry's campaign history was a visit to Springfield from President Bill Clinton, which helped Kerry win a close race for re-election in 1996 against then-governor William Weld.

As part of the tour, Kerry will also makes stops in Worcester and Boston on Thursday.

His departure means that former Patrick Administration Chief-of-Staff William "Mo" Cowan will serve in the Senate until a replacement has been chosen in the June 25 special election. Governor Patrick announced the selection of his former staffer for the job on Wednesday.