Markey says he won't run for Kennedy seat

BOSTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey said Friday he will not run for the Senate seat that had been held by the late Edward M. Kennedy.

Markey, a Democrat who has represented Massachusetts in the House since 1976 and is the most senior member of the state's delegation, said he believes holding that seniority is more important with Kennedy's death, the Boston Globe reported. Kennedy had been a senator for more than 46 years.

''I will have more clout for Massachusetts in the House than as a freshman in the Senate,'' said Markey, a Malden Democrat. ''That was at the heart of my decision.''

A Dec. 8 primary and Jan. 19 special election are scheduled to fill Kennedy's seat. Earlier this week, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Ted Kennedy's nephew and a former member of Congress, said he would not run.

Two Democratic members of the House, Michael Capuano and Stephen F. Lynch, have said they are candidates, while another, John Tierney, is considering a run. Attorney General Martha Coakley is also a candidate.

No Republicans have declared candidacy.

For years, Massachusetts has had an entirely Democratic delegation in Congress and last elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 1972.