Rep. Lynch Calls For Six Debates, One in New Bedford

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch is calling for at least six debates across the state with fellow Democratic Congressman Edward Markey.

Lynch and Markey are both vying for the Democratic nomination in the race to fill John Kerry's former U.S. Senate seat.

Lynch said the debates should take place in Lowell, Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield, and Fall River or New Bedford.

Markey said Thursday that he looks forward to debating. He said the specifics of the debates should be determined once the filing deadline is over and it's clear how many candidates are in the race.

The primary is scheduled for April 30. The election in June 25.

Marisa DeFranco, who ran in last year's Senate race until she failed to make the Democratic ballot, is also considering running on the Democratic side. [Associated Press]