(CNN) – Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, a Democrat, has taken the first step to run for Ted Kennedy's empty Senate seat.
Brian McNiff, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Secretary of State, confirms to CNN a representative for Coakley picked up nomination papers for the race earlier Tuesday. Coakley will now have to gather 10,000 signatures by October 20 to be eligible to run for the seat long held by Kennedy, who died last week.
Coakley is the first candidate on either side to officially pick up the nomination papers, but McNiff indicated he thinks other candidates might do so Tuesday as well.
"The day is young," he said.
The move comes one day after Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick formally announced a special election to fill the seat will be held on January 19, 2010. Patrick also said Republican and Democratic primaries will be held December 8.
Several other Massachusetts Democrats have not ruled out running for the seat, including Kennedy's nephew former Rep. Joseph Kennedy, who reportedly has close to $1.8 million left over from his campaign fund when he was a member of Congress 10 years ago.
On the Republican side, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, businessman David Sukoff and State Sen. Scott Brown are reportedly interested in running.
A former district attorney, Coakley was elected attorney general in 2006.
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From CNN Politics
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Shes a great choice.We will get the Public Option so all Americans can have a choice.
On a nostalgic note, it'd be nice if Joseph Kennedy filled the post, if for no other reason than to keep the "Birther Righties" in their constant state of schizophrenia-induced apoplexia. Have a nice day!
The sooner the people of MA lose their love affair with anything Kennedy, the better off they will be.
Just what congress needs, another pelosi.
Mitt Romney should run for the Senate from MA. He's already been their Governor and has proven he can win there. Why let another Democrat have the seat when it is so important to upset the lock they now have on America? Go Romney.
He can always run for President later. Get the seat NOW.
Public option so all Americans will be at war over out national debt. I love liberal no minds!
As long as it's NOT another kennedy, we have had enough of that bunch.
There will be a battle for this seat and now is the time for change. It will be nice to have people actually having to run for office instead of thinking they are entitled to it due to their family name. That is unless the gov changes the rules to suit his desired party.
She's a good choice. Actually any Democrat with a pulse is a good choice when compared to idiots like Romney.
Like a brand new day.Healthcare for All Americans and in every State.
I was hoping for AG Coakley to enter the race. She would make an excellent US Senator for Massachusetts.
Another Kennedy should TAKE THE SEAT.
All I have to say to the people of MASS is how well has that STATE FUNDED UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE option worked out for you?
The state of MASS is near bankruptcy, and you Kennedy clowns want to bring the same to the nation.
No Thank You.
Quit trying to get others to pay for you.
We're not a SOCIALIST nation. You like socialist countries, pack your bags and move to France.
Lets see if Mass. sets the stage for the cleansing of political leaders in the next local, state, and national election. I just smell some big changes in the air........BY THE PEOPLE...FOR THE PEOPLE, nothing less!
I glad that the people of MA will be allowed to vote!!!
Regardless of who's in the race, adhere to the lawful schedule noted above. Any attempt to change the law and appoint someone sooner will just show the Dems hypocracy.
Mass voters: Please elect someone who embodies the spirit of Ted Kennedy.
This nation needs Senators who CARE about PEOPLE!
The parade of candidates for Teddy K's seat is on -On the Democratic side, the possible candidates are Coakley, Lynch, Barney Frank, Joe K, Vicky K, Donald Duck, Jerry Remy, The Boston Strangler, and Mayor Mumbles. On the Republican side, Healey, Curt Schilling, Paul Tsongas, Malone, Nancy Kerrigan, Professor Gates, and Jay Leno.
I would like to remind those Mitt-wit spporters that he left office with a 34% approval rating in MA.
It looks like a good short for Joe Kennedy and trust me you haven't seen the last of them. Like it or not they will remain in the political arena, because Mass and New York Democrates love them. As well as all liberals which includes Obama.
With Obama's approval at 45% and dropping.... "CHANGE" could come to Mass and they elect a CONSERVATIVE sentor!
Although I truly believe there is a great chance of Jesus Christ's 2nd coming than Mass electing a GOP senator. They're almost as bad as CA.
I may have to buy some of those magic BVDs that Romney wears to get this bill passed.
At least it's not another Kennedy.
Liberals have just as much of a right to be liberals as conservatives do in being conservatives, rac, remember that...
Don't be surprised is the "princess" (Carolyn) wants to jump on the opportunity like she did in NY... despite her nil qualifications for the job. She has the last name though, and to her that is enough.