In Mass., Markey Readies to Make Jump to Senate

Democrat Edward Markey, who’s served 37 years in the U.S. House, is preparing to make the leap to the Senate after winning Massachusetts’ special election to fill the seat left vacant by John Kerry’s resignation to become secretary of state.

While Markey is pledging to work to pass major efforts including an assault weapons ban and to spark a green energy revolution and boost job growth in Massachusetts, voters hoping for a political firebrand will likely be disappointed.

Throughout his career in Congress, Markey has taken a methodical, behind-the-scenes approach to lawmaking, typically leaving the limelight to others.

Given the relatively low-key campaign Markey waged during the past five months, there’s little indication that he’s ready to break out of that mold.

Speaking to reporters before greeting breakfast diners at a restaurant in a Boston suburb Wednesday morning, Markey called his win over Republican newcomer Gabriel Gomez “gratifying.” Markey captured 55 percent of the vote compared with 45 for Gomez, a businessman and former Navy SEAL.

Markey also benefited from a superior organizing effort in a state where Democrats hold every statewide office and every seat in Congress — and where Republican Scott Brown’s surprise special Senate election win in 2010 still stings for Democratic loyalists.

This article appeared in print on page 3 of the June 27th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.