Patrick likely to name new Mass. senator today

[jefferson_dem]

Gov. likely to name new Mass. senator today

Source says Kennedy kin wants former DNC chairman to get interim job

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is expected Thursday to name an interim successor to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

The replacement will allow President Barack Obama regain a critical 60th U.S. Senate vote he needs to pass a health care overhaul this year.

NBC's Norah O' Donnell reported that Patrick is likely to make the announcement around 11:00 a.m. ET.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32999189/ns/politics-capitol_hill/?ocid=twitter

[rvablue]

1. The guy he's going to choose has a great relationship with Kennedy's staff

which is a big plus during the health care reform debate.

Still had my hopes on a "Senator" Dukakis....but it's still a good interim choice.

[Mass]

2. Latest news confirm it would be Kirk.,

Hopefully, he is not the type of moderate the Globe was reporting this morning.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/24/signs_point_to_kirk_for_interim_senator/?page=1

[jenmito]

3. K&R He just appointed Paul Kirk. n/t