Race to succeed Kennedy in Senate being shaped by non-candidates as much as those running

Kennedy Senate race being shaped by non-candidates

BOSTON — The campaign to succeed Sen. Edward Kennedy is becoming notable for who’s not running, as much as who is.

With Vicki Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy and others ruling out campaigns, the race is being shaped by those who aren’t running as much as those who are.

Boston College political science professor Marc Landy said Monday that Democrats are likely to win, so prospective Democrats have to calculate their odds in the Dec. 8 primary.

Republicans may be wondering if running will enhance their stature for future political endeavors.

So far, Attorney General Martha Coakley is seeking the Democratic nomination. Canton Selectman Bob Burr and state Sen. Scott Brown are competing for the GOP bid.

Kennedy died last month of brain cancer. The general election is Jan. 19.