Massachusetts Sets Date For Special Senate Election

A date has been set for the special election to fill U.S. Sen. John Kerry's seat.

Secretary of State William Galvin says the election will be June 25, with a primary on April 30. Galvin says he's confirmed the date with Gov. Deval Patrick, who by law officially sets the date.

Patrick said Monday he expects to announce a temporary interim senator on Wednesday.

Kerry is expected to be confirmed by the Senate as the nation's new secretary of state Tuesday.

Galvin said Kerry will submit a letter of resignation Tuesday, effective Friday.

Candidates will have four weeks to collect the 10,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Edward Markey has already announced he will seek the seat. Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is considering running on the Republican side. (Associated Press)