Frank, possibly Olver on list for Kerry seat

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Retired Congressman Barney Frank has gone public with his interest in temporarily replacing U.S. Senator John Kerry after he is likely appointed Secretary of State. 

Governor Deval Patrick is responsible for appointing an interim Senator and says Frank would be great for the job.

“Congressman Frank is a really gifted legislator and he’d be a great, he’d be a great senator even on an interim basis.  I have a lot of factors I’m considering and he’s definitely on the list,” said Patrick.

But it’s speculated that Patrick is also talking to Vicki Kennedy, wife of late-Senator Ted Kennedy and former Governor Michael Dukakis.  When 22 News asked if former U.S. Representative John Olver was being considered, Patrick didn’t confirm or deny it. 

“I have given thought and have on my list people from the western part of the state, yes,” said Governor Patrick.

Patrick says that whoever he chooses to fill the interim position, he expects them not to run in a special election for the U.S. Senate seat. By law, a special election must be held 145 to 160 days after a vacancy occurs. 

“If there’s an opening I’ll certainly consider it,” said state Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield).  “I will absolutely have the ability to do it, yes.”

Senator Downing expressed interest in the U.S. Senate seat late December and said he has the resources to run a special election campaign on short notice. U.S. Representative Ed Markey is vocal about a run and U.S. Representative Mike Capuano is considering it as well.  

If former U.S. Senator Scott Brown decides to run, he will likely be the Republican Party candidate.  If Kerry is confirmed Secretary of State as expected, Massachusetts could have a special election by late June.