Capuano announces bid for Kennedy seat

By Steve LeBlanc / Associated Press

BOSTON - Rep. Michael Capuano announced his candidacy for the late Edward Kennedy's Senate seat Friday, positioning himself to the left of Attorney General Martha Coakley, a fellow Democrat also seeking the office.

"My record is very progressive. I'm very proud of that. Her record is not, what record there is that relates to being senator," Capuano said.

Capuano also faulted Coakley for failing to take public positions on tough issues, like the war in Iraq.

"That's the judgment (voters) will make. Do they want someone who's a little bit more bold and a little bit stronger on these issues or do they want someone who's more cautious and more conservative?" he said.

The former Somerville mayor, who has a $1.2 million federal campaign war chest, has already released his first campaign commercial calling himself the only candidate who "stood with Ted Kennedy" against the Iraq war and "mirrors his progressive record."

Coakley, the only candidate to hold a statewide elected seat, has shown an edge over other candidates in early polls. Coakley has also picked up a raft of union endorsements. But Coakley trails in fundraising and is barred from transferring money from her state campaign account, a liability in a special election with a tight schedule. Party primaries are scheduled for Dec. 8. The election is Jan. 19.

Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Rep Barney Frank endorsed Capuano, saying he "has a demonstrated record of challenging the established order."

Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca is also running for the Democratic nomination and is using his personal wealth to help fund his campaign. He began running television ads Friday.

On Friday, Alan Khazei, Co-Founder of City Year, announced his committee has filed papers to form a campaign committee and has begun gathering the needed 10,000 signatures to get on the ballot. He's expected to formally announce next week.
State Sen. Scott Brown and Canton Selectman Bob Burr are seeking the Republican nomination.