A day after announcing his intention to run for U.S. Senate, Congressman Ed Markey received the backing of some big names in the Democratic party, including the incumbent senator, on Friday.

Senator John Kerry, Vicki Kennedy, widow of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee all lined up behind Markey, reported the Washington Post.

”Ed’s one of the most experienced and capable legislators in the entire Congress and it would be an almost unprecedented occasion for such an accomplished legislator to join the Senate able to hit the ground running on every issue of importance to Massachusetts,” said Kerry in a statement.

Kennedy also spoke positively about Markey.

“I believe that Congressman Ed Markey is the best person to continue in the tradition of John Kerry,” she said. “He will be a superb senator for Massachusetts.” 

No other Democrats have officially announced a run for the Senate. Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Michael Capuano have both been listed as possible candidates.