Gov. Patrick: No Decisions On Who Would Fill Sen. Kerry's Seat
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick says he hasn't reached out to anyone about temporarily filling Sen. John Kerry's seat if President Obama taps Kerry to serve as secretary of state.
Patrick also said Friday he hasn't decided whether he would seek a commitment from whomever he appoints not to run in a special election to fill Kerry's seat permanently.
The governor's comments came shortly before a report that President Obama will tap Kerry as the next secretary of state.
Patrick exacted that promise when he appointed former Democratic Party chairman Paul Kirk to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant by Edward Kennedy's death in 2009.
Under state law, Patrick is required to name an interim appointee when a Senate seat becomes vacant. The appointee services until a special election is held.
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