Massachusetts Primary Day

It's primary day in Massachusetts and for the first time in more than two decades Senator John Kerry has a challenger: Gloucester attorney Ed O'Reilly.

Meantime, Democratic voters today will also cast ballots in a handful of local primaries, some of which will decide the races.

WBUR's Bianca Vazquez Toness has this preview.

Most races this Primary are uncontested but a few Democratic incumbents are fighting for their seats this year. That includes state Senator Dianne Wilkerson from Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. She's facing former school teacher Sonia Chang-Diaz in what's expected to be a close rematch.

State representatives in Medford and Somerville are also facing challengers while U.S. Congressman John Olver is in a primary battle against Robert Feuer.

There are open seats in Brockton and Holliston. And in Arlingtonl, candidates are vying to replace State Senator James Marzilli, who's charged with indecent assault.