Dukakis makes Senate choice

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis will endorse Rep. Michael Capuano in the Senate special election.

Dukakis' backing of the six-term congressman to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy marks the first time since leaving office in 1990 that he has endorsed any Democrat running for statewide office in a primary.

Massachusetts first lady Diane Patrick and Dukakis' wife, Kitty, recently endorsed Capuano.

The endorsements come as Capuano competes with Attorney General Martha Coakley, the front-runner and only woman in the campaign. City Year co-founder Alan Khazei (KAY'-zee) and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca (pah-lee-OOH'-kah) are also competing for the Democratic nomination.

Dukakis will formalize his endorsement Sunday during Capuano's townhall meeting in Brookline.

Gov. Deval Patrick is following Kennedy's advice and not endorsing anyone in the primary.