Mass. House OKs Bill to Appoint Kennedy Successor

BOSTON (CN) - The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint an interim senator to replace the late Teddy Kennedy until a special election on Jan. 19. The issue is of national importance, as a replacement could help Democrats get the 60th vote they need to pass health-care legislation.

The House voted 97-58 in favor of the bill, The Associated Press reported, but it needs a second vote before moving to the Senate.

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