Opinion: John Kerry, who voted ‘Aye’ on Iraq war, faces first primary challenger

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For the first time since he was elected to the Senate 24 years ago, John Kerry, who voted for the use of military force in Iraq before he opposed the conflict, will face a primary challenger for his Massachusetts seat.

Attorney and former Gloucester City Councilman Ed O’Reilly, a onetime commercial lobsterman, won 22.5% of the delegates Saturday at the Democratic state convention in Lowell, Mass., to secure a place on the state primary ballot in September.

O’Reilly has been endorsed by Progressive Democrats of America, the antiwar group that helped activist Donna Edwards unseat eight-term incumbent Democratic Rep. Albert R. Wynn in Maryland earlier this year.

Just four years ago Kerry was the losing Democratic nominee for president. He won the state party’s endorsement today by capturing a majority of the convention delegates. He’s expected to turn back the challenge.

‘I’m here with humility to ask for your support,’ Kerry said.. ‘We have literally so much unfinished business ... My friends, I have more energy, I feel more focused, I’m more ready for the fight than ever before.’

The last serious challenge Kerry faced for the Senate seat was in 1996, when he beat Republican Massachusetts Gov. William Weld in what was seen as a contest between potential presidential contenders. He’s not faced a Democratic challenger since winning a three-way primary in 1984 to succeed Sen. Paul Tsongas.

The winner of the Sept. 16 primary will face Republican candidate Jeff Beatty in the general election. Matthew Hay Brown has the full story here.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credit: AP