by Frank Schroth

No sooner does it end and we all breathe a sigh of relief that it’s over – then it begins again. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry may be appointed the next Secretary of Defense. Independent of whether that is a good choice or not, it could happen. And if it does there will be competition for his seat. Three potential candidates have ties to Milton.

Two of the candidates mentioned in an article in today’s Boston Globe are Milton’s two congressmen; Mike Capuano, who represents the far west side of town that connects Mattapan to Randolph and Stephen Lynch who represents the rest. Both have been in Milton recently. Congressman Lynch was here for Monday’s Veteran’s Day observance. Congressman Capuano was here last month touring the Milton slice of his district. The third possibility mentioned as a candidate is U.S. Attorney, and Milton resident, Carmen Ortiz. Ms. Ortiz will be speaking this Thursday at the Milton Reads! Last Chapter event being held at the First Parish Church. Ms. Ortiz has not held elective office but entered the public eye as prosecutor of House leader DiMasi.

In addition there is Congressman Markey. They are all Democrats. Should the vacancy come up, Governor Patrick will be tasked with appointing an interim Senator. Patrick may or may not make it a condition that the appointee cannot run for office when the interim term expires.

Whoever it is may face a familiar and formidable face in Scott Brown. It is all conjecture at this point but the political calculators are out and the odds are being weighed. One political season ends and another begins on a calendar all its own.

You can find the Globe article here.