BOSTON -- Rep. Stephen Lynch is getting in the race for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat in the Senate.

A person from the South Boston Democrat's office picked up nomination papers on Friday for the special election. Kennedy, 77, died last week after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

"This morning I took the first step in launching my candidacy for the United States Senate. The seriousness and urgency of this decision is compounded by the untimely passing of my friend and colleague, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and by the momentous challenges that lie ahead for our commonwealth and our country," Lynch said.

Lynch said he would finalize my plans "over the next week or so."

On Thursday, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced her candidacy for the seat.

"I have decided to run for the Senate because I believe government has to work well and it has to work for everyone. I believe that is promise on which our democracy has been based. And frankly, I think it is time to renew that promise," Coakley said.

Meanwhile, rumors of other possible candidates include everyone from former and current lawmakers to retired Red Sox players.

Other possible contenders joining Coakley and Lynch include Reps. Michael Capuano and Edward Markey. But they said they are waiting to see what Joseph Kennedy, the late senator's nephew, decides to do.

The New York Times reported that Kennedy, who currently runs Citizen's Energy Corp., is agonizing over whether he truly wants to re-enter politics in an official capacity.

He left Congress in 1998 shortly after his brother, Michael, was killed in a skiing accident to spend more time with his family.

On the Republican side, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and state Sen. Scott Brown have all been mentioned.

Former pitcher Curt Schilling said Thursday that his chances of running for Kennedy's Senate seat are "slim to none," but that he would not rule it out until he spoke with his family.