[img_assist|nid=706|title=Attorney General Martha Coakley, former U.S. Rep Joe Kennedy and ex-Gov. Mitt Romney|desc=Viewed as top competitors for U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat.|link=none|align=left|width=420|height=180]While many will say it is premature for the question and the results are far from decisive, a recent poll shows that Joe Kennedy, Mitt Romney and Martha Coakley are the early favorites to succeed U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Hyannis Port) when he concludes his career.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll asked respondents who they would like to take Kennedy's place in the U.S. Senate. Kennedy, who took office in 1962 and is currently the chamber's second-longest serving member, suffered a seizure in the middle of May and was subsequently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor in early June and recently completed a six-week phase of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Kennedy has not made any indication of if or when he intends to vacate his Senate seat.

In the poll, 12 percent of respondents said would like former U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Brighton) to take his uncle's place in the Senate. Eleven percent of respondents said they would prefer former governor and recent presidential contender Mitt Romney (R) for the seat. The same percentage opted for Attorney General Martha Coakley (D-Medford).

It should be noted that a plurality of respondents, 47 percent, said they didn't know who they would want to succeed Kennedy.

The poll was conducted between July 31 and Aug. 3 and interviewed 400 respondents. There was a 4.9 percent margin of error on the poll.