Capuano Entering Race To Succeed Kennedy

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is finally getting her first high-profile Democratic challenger in the race to succeed Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Congressman Michael Capuano says he plans to formally announce his bid for the U.S. Senate on Friday.

Rep. Michael Capuano

The Somerville Democrat is already taking aim at the attorney general, focusing on his strong legislative record and Coakley’s primary experience as an executive.

“I think it’s fair to say: ‘Can this individual translate those skills — whatever they are — are they the same skills that you need to be a successful legislator?” Capuano said. “That’s the job we’re running for. We’re not running for an executive job.”

Capuano also said Coakley is a blank slate on national issues like the war in Iraq or President Obama’s health care plan.

The congressman labels himself a liberal in the Kennedy tradition. He says voters shouldn’t be left to question whether Coakley can be an effective senator when there’s another candidate in the race “who has proven they can do it over a long period of time.”

Capuano and Coakley both have to gather 10,000 signatures by Oct. 20 to appear on the primary ballot in December.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.