Markey Says He Will Run For U.S. Senate

The Associated Press and the Boston Herald are reporting that Congressman Edward Markey, D-Malden, says he will run for Sen. John Kerry's seat, if Kerry is appointed U.S. Secretary of State.

Markey, who has been a U.S. Representative since 1976, is the dean of the state's congressional delegation. He issued a statement Thursday saying he's decided to run for Kerry's seat.

The Malden Democrat, reported the Boston Herald, said the events of recent weeks, from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary to the fiscal cliff debate, have made it clear Massachusetts needs a senator with what he called the "right priorities and values."