Obama visits Boston, stumps for Markey

BOSTON, June 12 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama visited Boston Wednesday, campaigning for Senate candidate Rep. Ed Markey and saying he welcomes working with Senate Republicans.

At an athletic center in Roxbury Crossing, Obama and Markey were greeted by friendly crowds, and Obama's address included praise for the Senate's progress on immigration reform and blame of Republicans for his inability to enact gun control legislation, the political news organization Politico reported.

Obama's speech listed his administration's successes, pointed out his belief Markey, in the Senate, will "help keep weapons of war off the street and out of our schools," and, to laughter from the crowd, added he was "not going to say anything about the outstanding qualities of the Chicago Blackhawks," the hockey team in his hometown contesting the Boston Bruins for the Stanley Cup.

Democrat Markey is running for the Senate seat from Massachusetts against Republican Gabriel Gomez.