Nearly half of Mass. lawmakers endorse Coakley

BOSTON—Nearly half of Massachusetts lawmakers are endorsing Attorney General Martha Coakley in the special election for the late Edward Kennedy’s Senate seat.

Coakley is hoping the backing of 88 of the state’s 200 legislators will boost her momentum for the Democratic nomination.

Endorsers include Senate President Therese Murray, a Plymouth Democrat.

Coakley’s announcement comes a day after one of her chief Democratic rivals, U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, received the endorsements of fellow U.S. Rep James McGovern and Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis.

City Year founder Alan Khazei and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca are also vying for the Democratic nomination. Republicans state Sen. Scott Brown and Canton Selectman Bob Burr are also running for the seat.