until an election could be held.

That replacement would be a D. If MA has learned its lesson from Teddy's death, they would place a D in that seat who had a great chance of winning the subsequent election. The power of incumbency would help.

I'd prefer Kerry just stay in the Senate.

I think this was why Patrick flew to the White House for dinner Saturday night. I think he and Obama were discussing just this. They have to ensure that seat. Patrick is a sure win against Brown and he only has 2 years left as governor. (He's said he won't seek a 3rd term). Patrick would make an outstanding state senator and great complement to Warren; and he doesn't aspire to the presidency. Scott will be okay as Governor and I see him there. He won't have to bow to the GOP, and the Dems in MA will keep him in line. We'll just have to make sure he stays here. I don't think the GOP is going to look favorably on running a MA governor for a very long time! Maybe never

I hope it is all made easy by Dr Rice being named Secretary of State.

The Governor said he would serve his full term.

He would have (almost) to appoint himself to the vacant Senate Seat and there would be a big backlash to that.

Even if Senator Kerry is appointed and the Governor appoints himself and wins, there is still the need to win in a special election, which is a crapshoot as you never know who will show up in a Special, try to defend the Governors office in two years..

For me, I am pulling for Doctor Rice

I remember looking at his approval/favorable ratings and they were in the high 60's , i think that the most i have seen for any seating political figure in the country.