Capuano Draws Papers To Succeed Kennedy

Rep. Michael Capuano of Massachusetts says he's taken out nomination papers and will announce next week if he'll join the race to succeed Edward Kennedy in the U.S. Senate.

The six-term Democratic congressman said Tuesday that of any candidates mentioned so far, he most closely mirrors Kennedy's positions on issues of war and peace.

Capuano is the second member of Congress to draw nomination papers. Rep. Stephen Lynch did so last week.

Democratic Reps. Edward J. Markey and John Tierney are also considering the race. Former Congressman Martin Meehan said Tuesday he will not run.

Attorney General Martha Coakley was the first declared Democratic candidate to replace Kennedy, who died Aug. 25 of brain cancer.