Senator Ted Kennedy has authored a letter to Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray and Speaker Deleo asking that consideration be given to a modification of Massachusetts law that would allow the Governor to make an interim appointment to the United States Senate seat pending the special election currently called for to fill any potential vacancy. The Senator is clearly concerned that a five month vacancy could be costly to the health care reform effort that he has worked so hard on for his whole life. The letter does ask that the Governor, if given this authority, extract a personal committment from any prospective interim appointment that they not be a candidate for the seat in the special election. In spite of his personal health difficulties the senior Senator from Massachusetts still has his eye on the health care issue he cares so deeply about. His declining health has not lessened his always present drive to protect the citizens of Massachusetts.
I have attached the Senator’s letter below. As a practical matter I find it hard to argue with his logic, which does not in any way remove the right of the people of Massachusetts to select a successor at the ballot box. It would simply make sure that Massachusetts has two Senate votes at a critical time for our State and Country.
Bill Manzi.com 
Mr. Mayor:
Senator Kennedy’s loss will be our loss when that day comes. The thing that always impressed me is though he comes from money, he was always willing to take on powerful interests on behalf of the little guy.
If only there were ninety-nine other Senators who could live up to that legacy. Let’s hope he has many days left in service to his country and commonwealth.
-FM
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Your Honor,
In reference to supporting Kennedy’s request to change the law (again) to make sure his favored legislation is passed by having the (Democratic) governor assign a correct someone to the fill his seat if he should resign or pass on, is a dispicable manipulation of the law to favor a single party.
When Romney was governor and Kerry was running for president, the same legislator’s manipulated the law to take away the responsibility from Romney to insure the Democrats retained a Liberal in that seat.
So now the the law becomes a football to protect the Democratic party.
Jules
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Jules,
Although Senator Kennedy without doubt has health care in mind I do not believe that you can argue with the idea that Massachusetts ought to have two senators serving, as is our right as a state. If it is possible to make sure there is no lapse why would we not want to do that. I would honestly feel the same way if the issue were debated in a red state. Where is the problem with that? (Leaving aside your real thought that Massachusetts should have no US Senators).
Bill
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Your Honor,
Where the devil is there anything in our conversations have I ever lead you to believe that I don’t want any Senators in the Senate?
My complaint is that Governor Romney had the long held law to assign a replacement in place at the beginning of his first term, but it was changed by the Democratic legislature to protect Kerry’s Seat.
Now they are being asked to change the law back for the same reason for Kennedy.
So turning your last statement, you don’t care what dirty tricks are played, you want Democrats to occupy the two Massachusetts Senate seats.
By the way your comment, “I would honestly feel the same way if the issue were debated in a red state”‘ I don’t believe for one minute.
Jules
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Jules,
The Kennedy request does not, as you state, revert the law back to when Romney was Governor. It leaves that law fully in place, but allows the Governor to fill the slot for the time period between the vacancy and the special election. In fact when the law was changed Governor Romney advocated the exact same change. The Legislature refused to consider it when he proposed it. When I made this posting I was not aware of that fact, but now that I am I will say that the Legislature was wrong not to add it then, and they would be wrong not to add it now. If they do add it now they can be fairly charged with hypocrisy, but the policy part would be right. And Jules I would indeed advocate the same policy no matter which party controlled the Governor’s Chair. It infuriates me when folks change policies dependent on who is in power.
Bill
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Your Honor,
It infuriates you when folks change policies based on keeping power???????? This Kennedy sponsored move is a blatant move to save your precious Healthcare bill.
Unfortunately it is not illegal, but it is despicable on a host of grounds.
Your foolish charge about me ‘wanting the people of Massachusetts to be without representation must be laid at your own feet as;
1. Did we have representation when Senator Kerry was running for President for 1 year? Did you write a letter of protest?
2.How long have we been without active representation by Senator Kennedy? Did you suggest he resign so the people of Massachusetts can have active representation?
I await your reply in this matter in light of your charge against me.
Jules
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Jules,
My comment on your wishing that Mass would have no senators was meant to be tongue in cheek, as I know how much you traditionally support our incumbent senators. Now on to your points.
1) I did not write a letter of protest when Sen. Kerry ran for President. In fact he continued to do his duties as U.S. Senator. I am curious as to whether you wrote a letter of protest about John McCain’s absence when he ran for President, or whether you wrote a letter of protest when Governor George W. Bush ran for President and left the State of Texas?
2) We have lost, for the past months, Senator Kennedy’s vote in the Senate, but he has participated actively in Senate business. After 40 plus years of service I do believe he is still a huge asset for Massachusetts, despite his health problems. So I have not written, nor will I, such a letter.
Bill
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Your Honor,
The people of Massachusetts have filled all Senate and Congressional seats by their votes. I accept that.
Now don’t forget you accused me of not wanting the senators (even if tongue and cheek), not me. Consequently I saw no reason to concern my self with Bush and McCain’s seats.
I believe Kennedy will get his will. Still doesn’t make the Socialist Health Care passage a given.
There is still hope Obama, et al will fail.
Jules
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