If President Obama picks John Kerry to become Secretary of State, National Democrats are making no secret of their desire to have 51-year-old Edward M. Kennedy Jr. run for his vacant seat.

And according to the Boston Herald, the Branford, Connecticut resident is strongly considering it.

'He’s seriously considering it, and he would be the best candidate for the Democrats,' Phil Johnston, a Kennedy friend and former chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, told the paper. 'He’s got the same kind of upbeat personality that his father had, and I think he’d do well on the campaign trail. He’s been here his whole life.'

Kennedy heads the Marwood Group, the New York-based financial services company, and owns the late President John F. Kennedy's former home near the Kennedy compound in Hyannisport and spends his holidays and summers in Massachusetts.

Democrats are reportedly concerned that other candidates would face an uphill battle in a special race against departing Republican Seantor Scott Brown, who is expected to run again if Kerry leaves.

Kennedy would certainly have the financial ability and the financing to compete against Brown, his supporters believe.

Meanwhile a top political strategist for President Obama is also reportedly considering entering the race.

David Simas, 42, who served as director of opinion research for President Obama’s re-election campaign, is in discussion with a top Massachusetts strategist about running in the special election.

'This is something he has been in discussions about,' a Democratic source told the Herald.

Simas once worked for Governor Deval Patrick, and might be able to rely on Patrick's political machine if he decides to run.

President Obama's announcement to nominate Kerry as secretary of state could come as soon as this week.