Walsh expects Democratic primary in Senate contest

BOSTON (AP) - The head of the Massachusetts Democratic Party says he's expecting another Democrat to join the special election to replace outgoing Sen. John Kerry.

Party Chairman John Walsh said late Tuesday that he's in regular contact with three Democrats actively weighing bids. Walsh said he's, quote, "working on the assumption that someone else gets in."

Longtime Democratic Congressman Ed Markey is the only announced candidate. Former Sen. Scott Brown is weighing a run on the Republican side.

Some Democrats hoped to avoid an intra-party contest to replace Kerry, who has been nominated to serve as Secretary State. Kerry and others have already endorsed Markey.

But Walsh says a Democratic primary election is now likely. He lists potential candidates as Rep. Stephen Lynch, Rep. Michael Capuano and state Sen. Ben Downing.

Cox Media Group