It's the start of what's shaping up to be a very crowded campaign season in Massachusetts.

On Tuesday, candidates hoping to run in the 2010 elections can pick up nomination papers from the secretary of state. All
statewide offices are up for grabs, as are seats in the state Legislature and U.S. House.

Already, five candidates have announced their intention to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, including
Republicans Charles Baker and Christy Mihos, independent state Treasurer Tim Cahill, Green-Rainbow candidate Jill Stein and
Democratic human services activist Grace Ross.

Several members of the state's all-Democratic congressional delegation are also facing possible Republican challengers.

Party primaries will be held September 14. The election is Nov. 2.