Markey endorses Capuano for Senate

By Globe Staff

US Representative Edward J. Markey today will endorse Michael Capuano in his run for Senate, throwing his weight behind his congressional colleague.

US Representative Michael Capuano

Markey is the dean of the Massachusetts delegation and nearly ran himself in the special Senate election to fill the seat vacated by the late Edward M. Kennedy. Markey's formal endorsement of Capuano is scheduled for this afternoon in Malden, where they will be joined by Richard C. Howard, according to a statement issued by Capuano's campaign.

Capuano has received endorsements from six of his nine colleagues in the US House from Massachusetts. Representative Niki Tsongas has endorsed Attorney General Martha Coakley.

Representative William D. Delahunt, a close Kennedy friend, has not endorsed a candidate.

The primary is one week from today. Although the significance of endorsements is a topic of debate, campaigns value them as symbolic seals of approval as well as for their potential to rally supporters on Election Day -- particularly in a special election expected to draw lighter turnout than a typical November contest.