Younger Kerry Mulls Run for Mass. Sec. of State

BOSTON – Sen. John Kerry's (search) younger brother is mulling an elected office of his own after serving as his brother's close political adviser.

Cameron Kerry (search), a 54-year-old Boston lawyer, plans to seek the Democratic nomination for secretary of state if the current secretary leaves to run for governor.

Kerry told The Boston Globe that he met with Secretary of State William Galvin (search) on Tuesday. Galvin, also a Democrat, has said he's seriously considering a run for governor and expects to make a decision by early fall.

He declined to comment to the Globe on his meeting with Kerry.

Kerry said he is establishing a political account and has recruited several of his brother's top fund-raisers in New England.

"I need to get a head start to level the playing field," Kerry said. "I am not an incumbent with a war chest built up over the years."

Among his potential opponents: state Sen. Mark Montigny, state Rep. Peter Koutoujian, and Norfolk Sheriff Michael Bellotti.

Kerry has served as an adviser to his brother throughout his career — from a failed 1972 congressional race to last year's presidential campaign.

"I love my brother, and I know he has the tenacity and passion to fight for the issues he cares about so deeply," John Kerry said in a statement.