BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - February 1, 2013

• GOP prods a hesitant Scott Brown to run for Senate: Republicans have begun a "full court press'' to persuade the increasingly reluctant Brown to run in the special election to replace John F. Kerry. Globe state house bureau chief Frank Phillips and politics reporter Michael Levenson detail.

• Globally bound, John Kerry first retraces, recalls roots: Newly confirmed Secretary of State John Kerry embarked on a nostalgia tour through the state he represented for the better part of three decades. Globe Washington bureau reporter Matt Viser profiles.

• Former Brown aide wins top post for Mass. Republicans: Kirsten Hughes, backed by former US senator Scott Brown, was voted state party chairwoman Thursday night. Globe politics reporter Stephanie Ebbert elaborates.

• The search for a big senator: Mass. typically has big, nationally known and respected senators. Let's look at the possible field through the prism of real or potential stature. Globe columnist Scot Lehigh writes.

• The virtues of inexperience: Saying Mo ­Cowan shouldn't keep John Kerry's seat warm in the US Senate because he lacks experience is a bit much. Globe metro columnist Kevin Cullen explains.