Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has just announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the late Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, becoming the first candidate to officially announce a campaign.

Coakley paid tribute to the late Kennedy. "As some have noted, no one can fill his shoes, but we must try to follow in his footsteps," said Coakley. "I think we all realize that the urgency of this time is clear, and it is that urgency that drives my decision. Today, I announce my candidate for the United States Senate."

It's interesting that Coakley has not waited for word from other potential candidates -- especially former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy, a son of Robert Kennedy and nephew of Ted Kennedy, who has been much speculated about as a possible player. Somebody had to get in first, and Coakley is it.