Impact of Kerry leaving his Senate seat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - By an overwhelming majority of 94-3, the Senate confirmed Senator John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State. But losing Kerry as a MA Senator means voters are losing someone who's been looking out for their interests for nearly 30 years.

John Kerry, the 7th most senior member of the U-S Senate, has been confirmed to be the next Secretary of State.

Mark Zippin of Monson told 22News “I think it's a good opportunity for him. I think he'll do well in the job. He'll represent himself and our state very well. He'll bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the table.”

Now Massachusetts will have to hold a special election to fill his Senate seat.

For voters here in western Massachusetts, this special election scheduled for June 25th is of a special interest. They want to find out who will replace a senior senator who's been representing Massachusetts for more than 25 years.

Frank Wolak of Granville said “Of course we all care about who our representatives are in the Senate. Senator Kerry has made a move for his own personal career that's going to advance country, and Massachusetts now has to fill the gap.”

But replacing Kerry may not be an easy task because of the influence he's had in Washington.

22News Political Consultant Tony Cignoli said “Whenever cuts were threatened for Westover or for Barnes, as a former military person himself, as a ranking member in the Senate and on Defense Committee, Kerry would lead the fight, even quietly sometimes to make sure we didn't feel those heavy cuts here.”

Governor Deval Patrick will have to appoint someone to fill Kerry's seat temporarily until the special election is held in June.