BOSTON—Former Massachusetts first lady Kitty Dukakis (dew-KAH'-kiss) is backing Rep. Michael Capuano (cap-yoo-AH'-noh) in the race to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.
The wife of former Gov. Michael Dukakis made the announcement Monday night during a fundraiser for the six-term congressman. The former governor is remaining neutral in the race.
Rival Stephen Pagliuca (pah-lee-OOH'-kah) also has won the backing of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and captain Paul Pierce.
They attended a fundraiser for the Celtics co-owner on Lansdowne Street. Rivers says Pagliuca is honest, thoughtful and "is strong enough to make a decision."
Attorney General Martha Coakley and City Year co-founder Alan Khazei (KAY'-zee) are also seeking the Democratic nomination. State Sen. Scott Brown and Duxbury attorney Jack E. Robinson are seeking the GOP nod.
Kennedy died Aug. 25 of brain cancer.
