Kerry Healey (born April 30, 1960) is an American politician who serves as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts since 2002 alongside Governor Mitt Romney. Previous to her election, Healey was chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. Considered by party leaders as a rising star, Healey was honoured with the opportunity to address the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. She was touted as a possible successor to Sen. John Kerry were Kerry to win the 2004 presidential race, but Kerry's loss ensured his remaining in the Senate until the expiration of his term in 2009.