The field of possible candidates to replace John Kerry is wide-ranging and highly speculative. After news came that former Sen. Scott Brown wouldn't seek the seat, GOP names appeared out of the void. Former state Sen. Richard Tisei, former Gov. Bill Weld and Worcester Sheriff Lew Evangelidis confirmed they wouldn't contend. That leaves Rep. Dan Winslow, former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez and Dorchester resident Doug Bennett as possible contenders. (And Tagg Romney as a longshot contender.)
On the Dem side, Reps. Stephen Lynch and Ed Markey have confirmed participation. Attorney Marisa DeFranco as been mentioned as well, although Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone declined to jump in. Jack E. Robinson III is considering a run as an independent, according to Blue Mass Group.
In races for state office, there will also be a special election for outgoing state Senator Jack Hart's seat. The former South Boston stronghold has largely shifted to Dorchester after redistricting. The new voting base and demographics skew conventional voting calculus.
And Kirsten Hughes was elected Massachusetts Republican Party Chair on a thin margin Thursday. Hughes has her hands full as Massachusetts Republicans look to recoup losses from the 2012 election.
Rob Eno and David Kravitz joined Emily Rooney to talk about how the week is shaping up for politics.
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