Filling Ted's Shoes

Massachusetts AG Martha Coakley is the first major candidate to announce their intention to run for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat in January's special election.

Coakley said at a news conference the state has had a "crisis of confidence" following Kennedy's death and she wants to pick up his mantle.

"We've depended on him here in the Commonwealth and in Washington, and we will miss his strength and leadership and his sense of humor. As some have noted, no one can fill his shoes, but we must strive to follow in his footsteps," she told supporters at a downtown Boston hotel.

Coakley sidestepped a question from reporters whether she favored the changing state law to allow the governor to appoint an interim senator, as Kennedy had requested in a letter before his death. Legislators hold a hearing on the matter next week.

"For me, personally, I am fully focused on the race," she said, adding she trusted legislators "will make the right decision."

The 56-year-old Coakley becomes the most prominent candidate to officially declare. Several others are waiting for Kennedy's nephew, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, to decide if he will run.

Coakley is a strong proponent of the state's MassCare program and is pretty progressive on issues, but until Joe Jr. makes up his mind, all bets are off as to what happens to the seat down the road, whether or not Gov. Deval Patrick gets to appoint anyone or not.

We'll see how this shakes out.