Rep. Capuano mulls run for Kennedy's seat

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., began testing the political waters Tuesday for the race to replace the late Edward Kennedy in the U.S. Senate.

After obtaining nominating papers, Capuano said he'd make a formal announcement next week, The Boston Globe reported.

"I believe that the voters of Massachusetts want to continue the progressive ideals that Senator Ted Kennedy fought for during his decades of service," the Democrat said in a statement. "No other candidate being mentioned or already announced more closely mirrors Ted Kennedy's positions on important issues of war and peace."

Kennedy died last month of brain cancer.

Capuano joins Rep. Stephen Lynch and Attorney General Martha Coakley, two major Democrats who have already taken the first steps toward running for Senate. Potential candidates collecting the necessary signatures by the Oct. 20 deadline will compete in the Dec. 8 runoff.

Capuano had $1.2 million salted away at the end of June, while Lynch had nearly $1.4 million on hand, The Hill reported. Coakley had not set up a federal fundraising account.

On the Republican side, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, state Sen. Scott Brown and former U.S. attorney Michael Sullivan reportedly are considering bids.