BOSTON — The leader of the Massachusetts House says he will support giving Gov. Deval Patrick the power to appoint an interim successor to U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy if that becomes necessary.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature stripped Republican Gov. Mitt Romney of that authority in 2004 because of fears he would name a Republican to replace U.S. Sen. John Kerry if he had been elected president.
Instead, state law now requires a special election for the seat no sooner than 145 days and no later than 160 days after the vacancy occurs.
But House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi said yesterday if Kennedy should step aside or have to be replaced because of his brain tumor diagnosis, he'd be in favor of a gubernatorial appointment.
"That was a good political reason (then)," DiMasi said of taking the power away from Romney. "It's a good political reason to change it back."
Kennedy, the Senate's second-longest serving member, was re-elected in 2006 and is not up for election again until 2012.
DiMasi spoke warmly of Kennedy shortly after hearing reports of Kennedy's grim diagnosis, and quickly said it was too soon to talk about replacing the "liberal lion" of the U.S. Senate.
"I don't want to think of it in those terms right now," DiMasi said. "I think he'll stay out his term. I hope he stays. I'd encourage him to stay."
The Boston Democrat said he wouldn't make a move without first consulting Patrick.
"I'd have to ask the governor how he feels," DiMasi said.
Rebecca Deusser, a spokeswoman for Patrick, said the governor's office didn't have a comment. At a Statehouse press conference, Patrick wished Kennedy a speedy recovery.
"I know I speak for people all over the commonwealth, and indeed all over the country, in wishing him well and sending him the very best and strongest prayers for his recovery that I can," Patrick said.
Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, wouldn't discuss replacing Kennedy.
"The Senate president isn't even going there," said her spokesman, David Falcone. "Any talk about replacing Sen. Kennedy at this point is entirely inappropriate."
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. of North Reading said it was "distasteful" for DiMasi to respond to questions about changing the way the state handles vacant Senate seats. But, he criticized Democrats for their 2004 move against Romney.
"They said at the time they took this away for important public policy reasons," Jones said. "It would make them all out to be liars."
Edward Mason may be contacted at emason@gloucestertimes.com.
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