BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - February 5, 2013

• On first day, Kerry vows to protect diplomats: On his first day as secretary of state, John Kerry vowed to ensure the safety and security of American diplomats abroad. Globe Washington bureau reporter Bryan Bender outlines.

• GOP is finding few takers for Mass. Senate race: Republicans will have to field a relative unknown in what the party had hoped would be a pitched battle for John F. ­Kerry's former seat. Globe state house bureau chief Frank Phillips reports.

• Rep. Stephen Lynch changes tone on abortion rights: Lynch, who has consistently described himself as an antiabortion legislator, said he believes abortion should be legal but rare. Globe politics reporter Michael Levenson details.

• Tsongas named ranking Democrat on Armed Services subcommittee: Tsongas, elected in 2007, was appointed by Representative Adam Smith who said in a statement that the Lowell Democrat "has earned her stripes." Globe correspondent David Uberti elaborates. 

• Ed Markey, Steve Lynch are real-deal candidates: The two Democrats who want to replace John Kerry in the US Senate come from very similar places and backgrounds. Globe metro columnist Kevin Cullen profiles.

•  The hazards of optimism: Was the financial crisis caused by the unrealistic thought that bad things won't happen? Globe columnist Farah Stockman writes.