Rep. Markey launches campaign for Senate

MALDEN (AP) - Democratic Congressman Edward Markey is vowing to fight calls to cut Medicare and Medicaid to balance the federal budget, seeking support of Massachusetts seniors and low-income residents as he formally kicked off his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by newly sworn-in Secretary of State John Kerry.

FOX 25's Jarrod Holbrook asked Rep. Markey why he plans to move to the Senate after so many years in the House.

"I think there's a tremendous opportunity to pick up where Sen. Kerry left off with all of his outstanding work," responded Rep. Markey.

Markey launched his campaign tour with a rally Saturday in his hometown of Malden, to be followed by stops in Worcester and Springfield.

Markey, dean of the state's congressional delegation, highlighted his support for women's reproductive rights, gun control and efforts to protect the environment.

That appeared to be intended to highlight difference with fellow Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch who has also announced his candidacy.

Holbrook also caught up with Rep. Lynch on Saturday. Lynch told Holbrook he feels that he has a very different perspective on life than Markey.

"I think my opponent has had a much more sheltered life, an insulated life down in Washington for almost 38 years," says Lynch. "Living in Washington for that long of time does insulate you from what's going on in Mass. and I think that's my advantage."

Massachusetts Republicans are scrambling to find their own candidate after former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown opted out of the race Friday.

Cox Media Group