Speaker Backs Koutoujian In House Race

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, a candidate for the U.S. House seat formerly held by Sen. Edward Markey, has won the backing of a powerful Massachusetts Democrat.

Koutoujian's campaign announced on Wednesday that he has been endorsed by state House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

Koutoujian, a former state representative, faces six other Democrats in next Tuesday's primary in the 5th Congressional District, which includes DeLeo's hometown of Winthrop.

Most of the state's other leading Democratic politicians have stayed neutral in the race. One exception was Attorney General Martha Coakley, who endorsed state Sen. Katherine Clark of Melrose.

Three Republicans are seeking their party's endorsement in Tuesday's primary. The general election is Dec. 10.