Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will name his choice for Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat this morning at 11 a.m. in Boston.
Speculation over the past 24 hours has pinned former DNC chairman Paul Kirk as the likely appointee. Two of Kennedy’s sons and his widow reportedly told Patrick that their preference is Kirk, who serves as chairman of the board of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and is a close family friend.
Anonymous Senate Democrats told the New York Times they expect Patrick to choose Kirk. CNN sources also said Patrick has chosen Kirk.
A Democratic appointment would give the party 60 votes in the Senate, a filibuster-proof majority.
The legislation allowing the governor to appoint an interim senator passed the state Senate and House this week. But, unless Patrick declares an emergency, it will be 90 days before the measure can take effect. Democrats failed yesterday to get a two-thirds vote in favor of bypassing the delay.
The special election for the seat is scheduled for Jan. 19.
