Interim Senator, Gov. visit The Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The man chosen to be the state's interim U.S. Senator met with some future constituents during a visit to The Big E in West Springfield.

Paul Kirk accompanied Gov. Deval Patrick to the fair on Thursday, a few hours after the governor announced that Kirk would temporarily fill the seat left vacant by the death last month of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Kirk told 22News he is dedicated to making the nation's health care system more affordable and accessible and getting rid of government waste.

“To be designated by Governor Patrick to fulfill, just for a few months, to the important mission of public service in the United States Senate is an honor that I can only repay by pledging to you how hard I'll work for all the people throughout the Commonwealth,” Kirk said.

Kirk also said he will try to serve on the same committees and sub-committees the late Senator Kennedy served on.

Patrick and Kirk -- who was accompanied by his wife Gail -- stopped often to talk with fairgoers.

Kirk is scheduled to be sworn-in as the interim senator on Friday in Washington. He says he will not be a candidate for a special election in January to fill the seat.