The death of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) takes the senatorial succession law of Massachusetts out of the hypothetical. Last week Senator Kennedy petitioned Governor Deval Patrick (D) to change state law to allow a speedy replacement for him. Current law requires a special election be held within five months. Bear in mind that that current state law was changed in 2004 when Democrats feared then-Governor Mitt Romney (R) would appoint a Republican replacement to fill Senator John Kerry's (D-Massachusetts) seat should he win the presidential election.

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At that time the State Senate's president said, "This is an elected position, not an appointed position, and there's been a process that's evolved over a period of time where I believe the people should vote and voice their opinions in situations of significance." (source) No surprise that less than 12 hours after Senator Kennedy expired, Governor Patrick told the local media he's ready to let the people know their opinion is no longer significant.

Speaking about a change to revert back to the speedy replacement option the Governor said, "I'd like the Legislature to take up the bill quickly and get it to my desk and I will sign it." Local media also reported that Kennedy's widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, this week called Senate President Therese Murray, urging Murray to support her husband's request and that Vicki Kennedy has also been in regular contact with Patrick in recent days, including today. (source) Could Mrs. Kennedy be lobbying to have herself appointed to her husband's vacant seat? We probably won't have long to wonder as the wheels are already turning to change the law to accommodate the Democrats.