The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill allowing Gov. Deval Patrick to name an interim replacement to fill the late Edward M. Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat.
The Senate backed the measure yesterday on a 24-16 vote after a spirited debate, with 11 Democrats joining all five Republicans, including Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, who had twice delayed debate. The House approved the bill Friday.
Tarr said he believes the bill is unconstitutional because it contains an emergency preamble making it effective immediately but was not approved by the two-thirds majorities in both houses required for emergency preambles.
State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, voted for the interim appointment by the governor, and explained that the fishing industry and other district interests would be weakened without the continued presence of Kennedy’s staff, which would be required to disband in next month without an appointee to lead the office.
Read the complete story at The Gloucester Daily Times.
See also: Mass. lawmakers approve Kennedy succession change.