Kerry plans to call panel

John F. Kerry plans to set up a federal campaign committee as early as this week, which would allow him to seek a fifth term in the US Senate in 2008 while not precluding another run for president that year. The Massachusetts Democrat will call the committee Friends of John Kerry, spokesman David Wade said, and stock it with money from fund-raisers that have yet to be scheduled. Kerry transferred all the money from his previous committee to his presidential campaign committee after retaining his Senate seat in 2002. He could do the same should he decide against seeking reelection in favor of a second bid for the presidency.

GLOBE STAFF