FOXBORO - A Foxboro physician says he's running for U.S. Senate.

Dr. John Adams says he took out nomination papers for the seat and is collecting signatures for the special election ballot.

Adams, who says he is running as an Independent, has an internal medicine practice at 113 Washington St., Foxboro. So far, the Republican field consists of state Sen. Scott Brown of Wrentham and Canton Selectman Robert Burr. The Democratic field consists of Attorney General Martha Coakley, U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Somerville, Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca and City Year founder Alan Khazei.

Gov. Deval Patrick recently appointed Paul Kirk as interim senator to replace the late Edward Kennedy.

Kirk, a former top aide to Kennedy, has said he would not be a candidate in the special election.

The Sun Chronicle will have more of this story in Friday's newspaper.