Congressman Stephen Lynch is expected to announce his intent to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for the Senate seat vacated by John Kerry. He is opposed by longtime Congressman Ed Markey.

Lynch was elected to Congress in October 2001 in a special election following the death of Joe Moakley who represented the district for nearly 30 years.

While Markey has more money and organization I think Lynch would be a far tougher opponent for Scott Brown should Brown decide to make another bid for the Senate. It would be a battle of two blue collar guys. Before practicing law and entering politics, Lynch was an ironworker. While his politics are virtually identical to Kerry’s, a Senator from Southie would be a contrast to a bilionaire from Beacon Hill.

The Democratic (and Republican) primaries have been set for April 30th while the special election has been scheduled for June 25th.