Congressman Lynch Says He is Considering Senate Run

Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch said he is definitely considering running for John Kerry's senate seat.

The South Boston Democrat was on the Joe Ligotti Show on WTKK Radio Saturday afternoon and said he would be honored to be a Senator.

Kerry has been nominated by President Barack Obama to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and is expected to be confirmed. Kerry, a Democrat, has served as one of Massachusetts' Senators since 1985.

If Kerry is confirmed, Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to appoint an interim Senator until a special election can be held. The Boston Herald is reporting Barney Frank is the leading candidate for the interim position. Frank didn't seek reelection to Congress after redistricting was finalized. Instead, he announced his retirement.

Patrick has said he isn't interested in the position. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, who lost to US Senator Scott Brown in 2010, told the Associated Press Saturday she also is not interested.

Other names mentioned for possible senator candidates, according to reports, are Ted Kennedy Jr. – the son of former United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy - actor Ben Affleck and Democratic House members Michael Capuano, Edward Markey, and Niki Tsongas.

The Republican Party is said to be urging Scott Brown to run for Kerry's seat. Brown lost in the November election to Elizabeth Warren.

Currently Lynch represents Stoughton in the House of Representatives as part of Massachusetts' ninth Congressional district and once the new congress is sworn in, will continue to represent Stoughton as part of the state's new eighth district.