Markey Formally Kicks Off Campaign For Open Senate Seat
MALDEN, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Democratic Congressman Edward Markey toured the state on Saturday to formally kick off his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by newly sworn-in Secretary of State John Kerry.
Markey launched the tour with a rally Saturday in his hometown of Malden.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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There, he lamented the Tea Party and laid out his vision.
"I am running to move President Obama's agenda forward," Markey said "Tea party extremists are trying to erode and erase progress our country has made."
Markey covered a number of issues, including healthcare, women's equal pay, and an assault weapons ban.
He had also scheduled stops in Worcester and Springfield.
Markey had already announced he would seek Kerry's seat.
Markey, dean of the state's congressional delegation, said he'll highlight his long career in the House fighting against what he described as "big oil," the gun industry, polluters and others whom he said have harmed the lives of Massachusetts families.
Fellow Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch has also announced his candidacy.
Massachusetts Republicans are scrambling to find their own candidate after former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown opted out of the race Friday.
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