With the support of Gloucester’s state representative, the bill to allow the governor make an interim appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Edward M. Kennedy has cleared the state House, its fate to be decided in the state Senate, possibly by next week.
There, the bill does not have the support of Gloucester’s senator.
Republicans in the Senate, including Bruce E. Tarr of Gloucester, oppose the bill which was filed.
There are five Republicans in the 40-member Senate. Tarr describes himself as "leaning against the bill," and yesterday (Sept 18th) Tarr formally objected to moving the measure forward.