Kirk to be named interim senator

[The Straight Story]

Kirk to be named interim senator


Governor Deval Patrick has selected Paul G. Kirk Jr. to serve as interim US senator, a choice that comes with the strong backing of the immediate family of the late Edward M. Kennedy, according to a person with knowledge of the selection process.

Kennedy-Successor.jpg
Paul Kirk Jr. (left) with Senator Edward M. Kennedy in May 2008. (AP photo/Lisa Poole)

Patrick has remained mum about his selection, but he is scheduled to announce the appointment at a press conference this morning at the State House.

Kirk, 71, is a longtime Kennedy friend and former staff member, a man so close to the family he was chosen as master of ceremonies at Kennedy’s memorial service the night before the funeral last month. An attorney who now lives on Cape Cod, Kirk worked as a special assistant to Senator Kennedy from 1969 to 1977 and is currently the chairman of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. He is familiar with many on Kennedy’s former staff and could help smooth the transition.

Kirk was registered as a lobbyist a decade ago. He was paid $35,000 to represent the pharmaceutical company Hoechst Marion Roussel on legislation before the US Senate in 1999, according to federal disclosure records. He is currently on the board of directors of the Hartford Insurance Group.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/kirk_to_be_name.html

[Mass]

1. Sigh. I would have preferred Dukakis, but he is only there for 4 months.

As long as he stands strongly for healthcare and a public option, that is all that matters.

[Cant trust em]

2. I'm not sure if Kirk is such a great idea.

This guy? Really?

[peekaloo]

5. C'mon. He's now a respected Boston attorney.

[edbermac]

3. BEEECCCKKK!!!

BBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!

[SidDithers]

4. Thought you mean this Kirk...

Sid