Report: Temp possible for Kennedy seat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts lawmaker says the idea of a temporary replacement for ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., is gaining acceptance with state lawmakers.

State Sen. Robert O'Leary told the Boston Globe that Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray has apparently tempered her opposition to replacing Kennedy on a temporary basis rather than appointing someone to take his place permanently.

Kennedy is battling cancer and has not been in Washington for several months. He recently asked Murray to approve legislation that would allow the governor to fill his seat temporarily. Current law covers special elections to fill Senate vacancies, but make no mention of temporary replacements.

The Globe said Tuesday that Murray has declined comment on the matter, but O'Leary reported she was keeping an open mind and had given him the green light to start rounding up the votes to pass the measure.