Early Congressional Challenger Roundup

It looks like some of Massachusetts' Congressmen are going to be challenged for reelection next year. The Globe reported today that former Beverly City Councillor, Phil Dunklebarger, now of Westwood, plans on challenging Congressman Stephen Lynch in the Democratic primary. Dunklebarger was a Dean supporter in 2003, and according to the Globe, has criticized Congressman Lynch for supporting the Iraq war.

On the Republican side, two challengers have emerged to take on Senator Ted Kennedy, former Wakefield Selectman Kevin Scott and Belmont Republican Kenneth Chase. Chase ran an baffling campaign against Ed Markey for the House last year where he practically accused the Congressman of singlehandedly causing the September 11th terrorist attacks. Ultimately, he got clobbered by a margin of more than three to one in a three-way race with Markey and Independent Jim Hall. Markey did, however, spend some money during that campaign, but not necessarily to beat Chase. He was more interested in the Senate seat that would have opened up had John Kerry been elected President.

Adam Reilly of the Boston Phoenix has his take on Kennedy's potential challengers in his blog.