WORCESTER - If a Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat were to open up, Worcester County Sherriff Guy Glodis said Thursday that he would expect, and look forward to, a crowded and spirited Democratic field running for the seat.

Glodis, who is said to have one of the largest political machines in the state, told PolitickerMA.com at the Democratic State Committee meeting Thursday that it is "very premature" to speculate about who would run. But in the event the U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston) were to be tapped for a post in the Obama, Glodis said there are some pols that would already be serious contenders.

"I think you have [Attorney General] Martha Coakley, who would be a very strong candidate," Glodis said. "[Congressman] Steve Lynch has represented labor and has a great base in Suffolk. And some people say [Congressman Michael] Capuano and [Congressman Bill] Delahunt. I think all four of them would automatically be considered frontrunners."

Coakley (D-Medford), Capuano (D-Somerville) and Lynch (D-Boston) have all said they would consider running if the seat opens up. Delahunt (D-Quincy) has not stated whether or not he would pursue the Senate.

Glodis also said he would expect "a couple dark horses" to also throw their hats into the ring, like former Congressman Marty Meehan (D-Lowell).

An open Senate seat, which Glodis called a "generational opportunity," should generate a lot of interest.

"I think that's healthy," Glodis said. "I think there should be a very extensive Democratic primary. It's good for the state, it's good for the electorate and it's actually good for the candidates... So I think a lot of people should take a look at it, and I think the winners will be the electorate because they'll have some great candidates to choose from."

Check out PolitickerMA.com's chart of who might run for a Senate seat here.