WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — Congressman Stephen Lynch kicked off his campaign for John Kerry’s seat by meeting with residents at O’Briens Corner in Springfield this morning.

Lynch says his working class background makes him a better choice to serve in the Senate.

“I think the country has a lot of problems right now serious problems and there is a certain inability in the United States Senate to really really deal with the problems we have here on Main Street in Springfield and across the country so I think that I would be unique in the U.S. Senate and I know what it’s like to stand in the unemployment line,” Lynch noted.

So far in this new campaign, Lynch is being opposed by fellow Congressman Ed Markey in an April primary.

The special election is scheduled for June 25th.