Title: Tsongas endorses Coakley for Senate

" Now the race for the vacant senate seat in Massachusetts just under six weeks to the party primaries and today another endorsement. Four front runner Democrat Martha Coakley. And lacy and Scott Leon does in Lowell Massachusetts tonight with a closer world look at what role gender may be playing in this race got."

" What did happen earlier today in Lowell congresswoman Niki Tsongas breaking ranks with -- congressional colleagues all of them all those who've been chosen endorsement. Have endorsed Michael -- you want out she's endorsing Mike Martha Coakley."

" I'm very proud to endorse Martha Coakley today for the United States senate."

" That endorsement speculation on whether congressman. Because Tsongas and that's the only woman in the race to succeed Senator Ted Kennedy. Her colleagues in the house Stephen Lynch on security Barney Frank and Jim McGovern have all endorsed six term congressman from."

" said her decision had nothing to do with gender. I'm supported a candidate who I believe will be the most effective United States -- attorney general Coakley said she welcomed the endorsement and denied that gender played any role."

" I disagree with that it's that actually. Is not one of the factors I think that voters are looking out that we're focusing on. This is about who was a good candidate and more importantly who's going to be -- senator she is a candidate who has the best experience she'll look upon watching as the executive director of the mass women's political caucus."

" She believes that women face an uphill battle when running for office and says questions on gender are part of the political landscape."

" I think. It certainly people are gonna ask that question I I wonder they asked the same question when congressman frank. Endorsed congressman -- wanna with C endorsing him because he was a man."

" All of the three other Democrats. Race Mike -- knowing Steve tell you who were unavailable Wednesday night cap of one I was in Washington tell you -- was at his Boston Celtics home opener. But Alan -- held a forum for women interested in his campaign in Boston just a week ago. Said he feels that all endorsements should come from the heart I have tremendous respect for conscience on -- and I think. You know hats off to -- Turns on Coakley for earning her endorsement that is to -- community members to anyway I don't think so I think that I think that congressman's on this with that all the candidates and she made her decision."

" I think Martha would be -- most effective United States senators have remarkable shoes to feel -- got to fill but she has a demonstrated track record of extraordinary commitment to pick great tenacity around. Important issues we face."

" In other endorsement news by the way Alan -- told today that he's picked up a rather high profile endorsement. Former Colorado congressman excuse me senator Gary Hart who ran unsuccessfully that the democratic nomination in 1984. And 1988. They'll be campaigning. With Alan -- in the Boston area on Thursday party Scott -- tonight and -- thank you."