Last of the three Kennedy brothers

Statement from The Kennedy Family:

“Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and
uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis
Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous
light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and
perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone
who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who
stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress
toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this
country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that
our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them
without him.”

Now it's time to fill the vacant Senate seat. When Kennedy learned about his illness he lobbied the governor and legislative leaders to change the succession law to guarantee that Massachusetts will not lack a Senate vote when his seat became vacant.

Essentially, he wanted his seat to be filled temporiarily before the voters could choose a new Senator in a special election. In Massachusetts a special election is required within 5 months of the vacancy. There is no provision for an interim replacement. This means that Massachusetts would be without a Senate vote.

There is a lot at stake here and Kennedy was a huge supporter of Obama and his aggressive reform agenda. If an interim successor is named it would be a Democrate. If the vote goes to a special election, it could go either way.

Isn't ironic that when faced with our own mortality....we worry about those we leave behind.