| Update: Patrick wishes he could appoint someone to finish Kerry term
From MassLive.com
When asked if would support changing the law again to fill a Senate vacancy, Patrick said he wished the law in Massachusetts was the way it used to be when a governor could appoint a temporary replacement until the next biennial election.
"Look, that's the way a lot of states do it," Patrick said. "I wish it were that way here. But I don't think anybody has any appetite to change it again. I don't. We have other things to do."
The day after the election I was speaking with a long time Democratic strategist who was convinced of two things. First that Deval Patrick will be the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, and second that he will not face a special election. At first I was incredulous, reminding him that the law states there must be a special election. He reminded me that the Democrats still have a super-majority in the legislature, and can change that law at will.
Here's how the scenario will most likely play out:
The legislature will change the law back to the governor being able to appoint a Senate Vacancy until the next regularly scheduled election. This will happen soon.
Next, Barack Obama will name John "Reporting for Duty" Kerry as Secretary of Defense.
Then, Deval Patrick will resign as Governor, paving the way for Acting Governor Tim Murray to appoint Patrick as the U.S. Senator.
That's how it is going to play out. Just you wait and see. |
