Clark Cruises To Mass. 5th District Win

Democrat Katherine Clark has defeated three opponents to win a special election to fill a vacant Massachusetts congressional seat.

The state senator from Melrose will be the third woman in the state's 11-person congressional delegation and only the fifth woman to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. House.

After winning a crowded Democratic primary, Clark ran a low-key general election campaign, agreeing to a single debate against Republican Frank Addivinola, a Boston attorney.

The other two candidates were Wellesley resident James Aulenti and Arlington resident James Hall.

The 5th Congressional District seat became vacant earlier this year after Edward Markey won a special election to fill John Kerry's Senate seat. Kerry had stepped down to become secretary of state.

The district stretches from the coast to communities north and west of Boston. It is heavily Democratic.

Clark will face re-election next year.