Three In, Three 'Serious,' and a Dozen Interested in Markey's Seat

The possible contest to replace US Rep. Ed Markey is beginning to resemble a Black Friday Sale outside a toy or electronics store: That's one long line of people seeking to be first through the doors.

But this collection of elected officials are not looking for a big screen TV or the latest Elmo, they are seeking a seat in the Capitol building in Washington DC.

The number and eagerness for mostly elected officials representing their home towns in the State House on Beacon Hill is two fold: first, the 5th congressional district consists of all or parts of 24 towns and cities which allows for many to consider a run, according to David Bernstein in the lastest on-line edition of the Boston Phoenix.

Second, for the first time since 1976 when Markey won the election, the House seat will be up for grabs with no perceived Democrat party favorite who would be provided a big head start over any of their opponents. The primary may actually be a merit-driven election. 

That's why three elected officials, including Belmont's State Sen. Will Brownsberger have already submitted paperwork with the state to begin fund raising and establishing a campaign office to run for the seat even as Markey has not even win the Democrat Primary.

Joining Brownsberger in what can only be called the hypothetical campaign is the left's sweetheart Carl Sciortino, the state representative from Medford, and State Sen. Katherine Clark of Melrose.

The one thing they all have in common is their active support of Markey in his primary race against fellow rep Stephen Lynch to win the special election for John Kerry's old US Senate seat.

Two who have expressed serious interest in the race – Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung and Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Revere state rep – believe it's disrespectful for Markey to begin racing to fill a seat that the current occupant hasn't left yet. Also ready to put her hat in the ring is State Sen. Karen Spilka of Ashland.

While these six have made pronouncements on their intentions to run, others are seen as potential candidates on Bernstein's list includes:

• Wayland State Rep. Tom Conroy,

• Arlington/West Medford State Rep. Sean Garballey,

• Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprelian,

• Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian,

• Middlesex District Attorney Gerald Leone,

• Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn, and

• Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo.

Throw in State Attorney General Martha Coakley, who lives in Medford, and former state senator Warren Tolman of Watertown and that line is stretching out into the parking lot.