Scramble On To Fill Retiring Rep. Frank's Seat

Potential successors to U.S. Rep. Barney Frank are taking a fresh look at his newly redrawn congressional district now that the longtime Democrat is not seeking re-election.

At least two Democratic state senators said Monday that they're considering running for the seat. Cynthia Creem of Newton and Marc Pacheco of Taunton each said they hope to make a decision in the coming weeks.

Sources close to Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter say he also plans to run for the seat.

Republican Elizabeth Childs of Brookline, a former state mental health commissioner under Mitt Romney, had already announced her intention to run.

State Republicans say Frank's departure makes them very optimistic about next year's race.

Massachusetts GOP Executive Director Nathan Little notes that Republican newcomer Sean Bielat won 43 percent of the vote when he ran against Frank in 2010.

"It shows there's a base out there that's ready for change," Little said. "And I think now we're gonna capitalize on it and take it all the way."

State Democratic Chairman John Walsh said the party will work to keep the state's congressional delegation all Democratic and also work to oust Republican Sen. Scott Brown.

With reporting by the WBUR Newsroom and The Associated Press