[img_assist|nid=427|title=U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston) campaigning in Framingham this year|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=left|width=412|height=317]Facing his first Senate primary challenger in 24 years, John Kerry cruised to victory Tuesday night.

Just minutes after the polls closed in Massachusetts, news organizations called the race for the senator from Boston. With 71 of 2,168 precincts reporting, Kerry leads Ed O'Reilly, the fiery Gloucester attorney, 70 percent to 30 percent, according to the Boston Globe.

"I am once again humbled by the support I received from voters across Massachusetts and, after a victory on November 4th, determined to prove worthy of your confidence in me over the next six years," the Democrat said in a statement.

O'Reilly earned a spot on the ballot after receiving more than 20 percent of the vote at the state Democratic Convention in June. The Gloucester attorney largely based his campaign on his criticism of Kerry for his 2002 vote to authorize the use of force in Iraq.

In his statement, Kerry looked ahead to his general election contest with former CIA officer and Army Delta Force member Jeff Beatty (R-Harwich).

"Over the next two month, when I'm not doing the job I was elected to do down in Washington, I will travel across Massachusetts so I can talk one-on-on with the people of the commonwealth," Kerry said. "And most importantly, so I can listen to your concerns and answer your questions."

Kerry also said that he is looking forward to continuing his work with U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, of Hyannis Port.

"I have always been honored to be the junior senator from Massachusetts," he said, "and I can't wait to return to the Senate with my friend Ted Kennedy by my side and continue to delivery for you and your families."