Frank Backs Markey For Senate, Says Capuano Probably Won't Run

Recently retired U.S. Rep. Barney Frank is supporting Rep. Ed Markey's run for Senate. Markey has announced he will run for Sen. John Kerry's seat if Kerry is confirmed as secretary of state.

Frank praised Markey's leadership on two issues.

"He was a leader in gun control when we were in the Legislature together in the 1970s," Frank said. "And he has since that time been a very important leader, one of the national leaders, on the whole question of climate change."

When asked why he was supporting Markey over Democratic Rep. Mike Capuano, of Somerville, Frank said he was backing Markey because "Capuano is probably not running."

A source close to Rep. Capuano also thinks he won't run. Last month, after Markey was endorsed by Sen. Kerry and Vicki Kennedy, Capuano released a statement saying that it seemed "the big names of our party are trying to choose our nominee for us.”

Capuano was not available for comment.

Rep. Stephen Lynch is also considering running for Kerry's seat, as is state Sen. Ben Downing, who expects to announce a decision this week.