Over the last few days, there have been a few small developments in what may happen once John Kerry vacates his Senate seat to become Secretary of State. I am rather angry at Kerry and Obama for putting Massachusetts in a situation where there will be a special election in the summer of 2013, but I know that I really will need all of my energy directed towards working for whomever may be the Democratic nominee(for those are interested, I live in Central Massachusetts.)
Jon Keller, who is the main political analyst for WBZ-4(a CBS affilate) and a Republican, has suggested that actor/activist Ben Affleck should run in the special election. Affleck is as noted been very active in Massachusetts politics, but a campaign of 145 to 160 days would be a very tough challenge for a novice. I suppose his celebrity would help attract turnout in what would otherwise be an offseason election but Scott Brown could do a lot to run against "Hollywood" if Affleck were the nominee.
My preferred candidate, Edward Markey(I would also Capuano or McGovern if they were the nominee) has shown signs that he is really serious about running. The Boston Globe found out that Markey is using a pollster to gauge his strength against potential rivals like Blue Dog Stephen Lynch or progressive fighter Michael Capuano. For the record, I will not support Lynch if he wins the primary. He voted no to Obamacare(the version before reconcilation) and has taken Blue Dog positions on other issues. He is to the right of John Kerry.
And finally, former Governor Mike Dukakis may be appointed in the interum as Senator, according to the Hill. Dukakis would serve honorably and he would know how to do constituent services in the time between Kerry's resignation and when the new Senator is sworn in. I would prefer that the Massachusetts Democratic Party use PPP to weigh the best 3 candidates to face Scott Brown, and just have Governor Deval Patrick pick from those three even someone would have to give up their House seat now rather than after the special election if they win.