The consequential news about filling Ted Kennedy's Senate seat isn't the interim appointment of Kennedy-loyalist Paul Kirk, Jr., Democratic party chair from 1985-1989, to ostensibly cast a vote for healthcare reform (if the Senate ever gets its act together).
The consequential news is the political jockeying to permanently fill Kennedy's seat, which is up for reelection in 2012.
Polling in late September 2009 shows Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley holding a substantial lead over all opponents, although no Bay State woman has ever held either a U.S. Senate or the governor's seat.
Attorney General Coakley is a respected, tenacious prosecutor, particularly in protection of children and in pursuing equal rights for all people. She's known for her advocacy of same-gender marriage, and recently filed the first lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal "Defense of Marriage Act."
Several other Democrats have also declared their candidacy, including Wall Streeter Steve Pagliuca, a managing partner of the Boston Celtics NBA team. Two Republicans have tossed their hats in the ring, although no Massachusetts Republican has held a U.S. Senate seat for 30 years.
And rumors are wafting that conservative-leaning former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling may run as a Independent for the vacant seat.
The primary elections are slated for December 8, 2009. The victors will vie in a special election set for January 19, 2010.
To read about frontrunner Martha Coakley, who I believe would make an exceptional addition to the U.S. Senate, read Profile of Martha Coakley, Senate Candidate from MA.
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