Deval Patrick, John Kerry, and Politics as Usual in Massachusetts

In 2004, the Massachusetts legislature, concerned that then-Governor Mitt Romney would appoint a Republican to fill John Kerry's senate seat if Kerry won the presidency, took action. They replaced the law that permitted a governor to appoint a replacement to serve out the term of a senator who left office before his term expired, with one that required a special election to fill the seat. As we all remember, John Kerry lost the election, so no replacement was needed. Fast forward to 2008, where the very same John Kerry is being talked about for a position with the Obama administration. Republican Mitt Romney has been succeeded by Democrat Deval Patrick--and the Lowell Sun reports that Governor Patrick would like to change the law back--so that he can personally appoint a replacement for Kerry, if needed