Congressman Ed Markey visits the Berkshires for the first time after announcing his candidacy for the Senate. YNN's Madeleine Rivera was there and has more on Markey's ambitious agenda.

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BERKSHIRE COUNTY, Mass. -- Gun control, LGBT rights, global warming. These are just some of the things that Congressman Ed Markey touched upon during his visit to the Berkshires. He says this stop will be one of many as he runs for a seat in the senate.

"I want to earn every vote and the only way I'm going to do it is by visiting as many times as I can," said the congressman.

He is one of the candidates running for the seat that was left vacant by John Kerry. Kerry left in January to become Secretary of State. Markey is known for his strong positions on energy policy. But his meet and greet in the Berkshires was a way to show residents that he has firm opinions on many other subjects, too.

"These other weapons. Assault weapons. The very name itself tell you. It's not something for home use," he said.

"I took Latin for many years. But you don't have to be a Latin scholar to understand what it means. It translates into cut/slash programs that we know are key to the long-term investments of our country," he added.

He introduced an aggressive agenda that at many times was met with applause. Still, residents wanted to know more about the lawmaker, asking him questions after his speech. And Markey says he wants to learn more about the area.

"I also know that they have real issues of economic development and I want to work with the mayors and selectmen out here to ensure that we maximize the capacity for these communities to be able to increase their overall economic well-being," said Markey.

The special election is set for June 25, after the primary is held in April.