October 28, 2009 Gender and the Mass. Senate race Play video

(NECN: Scot Yount) - Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas has endorsed Attorney General Martha Coakley in the race for U.S. Senate.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: "I am very proud to endorse Martha Coakley today for the United States Senate."

That endorsement ends the speculation on whether congresswoman Niki Tsongas would back the only woman in the race to succeed Senator Ted Kennedy.

Her colleagues in the House Stephen Lynch, John Tierney, Barney Frank and Jim McGovern have all endorsed six-term congressman Mike Capuano. Tsongas said her decision had nothing to do with gender.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: "I am supporting the candidate who I believe will be the most effective United States senator"

Attorney General Coakley said she welcomed the endorsement and denied gender played a role.

"I disagree with that that actually is not one of the factors I think that voters are looking at or that we are focusing on this is about who is a good candidate and more importantly who is a going to be a good senator."

Shelia Capone-Wulsin: "She is the candidate who has the best experience."

Sheila Capone-wulsin is 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.

Shelia Capone-Wulsin: "I think that people are certainly going to ask that question I wonder if they ask the same question

Of the three other democrats in the race, Mike Capuano and Steve Pagliuca were unavailable Wednesday night, Capuano is in Washington, Pagliuca was at his Boston Celtics home opener, but Alan Khazei who 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 Congresswoman Tsongas and hats off to the Attorney General Coakley for earning her endorsement.”

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas: "I think Martha will be our most effective United States Senator remarkable shoes to fill but she has a demonstrated track record of extraordinary commitment and tenacity around important issues we face."