Hotline On Call

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Sen. John Kerry, and Vicki Kennedy all expressed support for Rep. Ed Markey in the special election to replace Kerry Friday afternoon, as state and national Democrats attempt to clear the Democratic primary field for the longtime congressman.

Markey is the only high-profile candidate in the race so far, but two other Democratic members of the Massachusetts House delegation -- Stephen Lynch and Mike Capuano -- are also considering running, and there has been some concern on the Democratic side about a crowded primary. On the GOP side, Sen. Scott Brown has yet to announce a decision on the race, but a Brown candidacy would be expected to clear the Republican primary field.

While Kerry, who is expected to be easily confirmed as secretary of state, doesn't use the word "endorse" in the statement (which was sent out by the DSCC), he does use the word "support."

"While I began last week to formally step out of politics and it's very important that I respect the apolitical nature of the post I hope to soon occupy, as Massachusetts' senior senator today and as a colleague of Ed Markey's for 28 years, I'm excited to learn of and support his decision to run for the United States Senate," says the senior senator in the statement.

A Kerry aide tells Hotline On Call that the senator will be voting for Markey.

Shortly after blasting out the Kerry statement, the DSCC sent out their own statement of support for Markey.

“Ed Markey has spent his career fighting for the people of Massachusetts," said Michael Bennet, the new DSCC chair. "He has been a leader on some of the most important issues of our time and has repeatedly taken on the special interests in Washington."

And Kennedy, the widow of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, said in a statement that she believes Markey "is the best person to continue in the tradition of John Kerry to serve our Commonwealth in the United States Senate" who "has the experience and expertise to address the pressing economic issues facing our nation.”