Sen. hopeful Markey's new TV ad features president

BOSTON (AP) - Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Edward Markey is unveiling a new television ad featuring President Barack Obama.

The 30-second ad highlights Obama's strong endorsement of Markey during a recent campaign rally in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood.

In the ad, Obama says Markey will be "an outstanding member of the United States Senate."

Obama also says that as a longtime member of the U.S. House, Markey has been a champion of middle class families and small businesses and has "stood up for commonsense laws to keep our children safe from gun violence."

Obama said he needs Markey in the Senate.

Democrats are eager to hold onto the Senate seat left vacant by the resignation of John Kerry to become secretary of state.

Markey is facing off against Republican Gabriel Gomez in the state's June 25 special election.

Cox Media Group