Khazei pulls papers for Senate run

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

Alan Khazei, the 48-year-old cofounder of City Year, the nationwide community service program for young adults, plans to pull nomination papers this morning for the Democratic primary race for US Senate.

Khazei had been eyeing the race, but this is the surest sign of his interest in actually getting into the contest to fill the seat held for 47 years by the late Edward M. Kennedy. His supporters plan to pick up papers this morning and immediately begin collecting signatures in Boston Common.

“My wife, Vanessa, and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support we have received,” Khazei said in a statement. He added, “I have entrusted a group of citizens to gather nomination papers today and begin the process necessary for this special election.”

“I will have more to say in the days ahead,” he added.

The Globe reported this morning that Boston Celtics co-owner and private equity investor Stephen G. Pagliuca is emerging from the wings in a possible pursuit of the Democratic nomination. Pagliuca and Khazei, should they both decide to enter the race, would be two relative outsiders in a field that, at least so far, has been dominated by political veterans.

Attorney General Martha Coakley is the only major declared candidate so far in the Democratic primary, but US Representative Michael Capuano has hired a campaign manager in advance of an announcement later this week, and US Representative Stephen F. Lynch is preparing for his formal announcement tomorrow.