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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Ex-DNC Chair Kirk to Replace Kennedy

Family friend, former staffer was emcee at Teddy's memorial

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(Newser) – Deval Patrick has chosen former Democratic Party national chairman Paul Kirk to replace Ted Kennedy in the Senate, giving Barack Obama the 60th vote he needs to pass health care reform. The 71-year-old Kirk is a former Kennedy staffer, and was such close friends with the senator that he served as master of ceremonies at his memorial service. He’s also a former pharmaceutical company lobbyist, and a board member at Hartford Insurance Group.

The Massachusetts legislature yesterday passed a controversial bill giving Patrick the power to appoint someone. But it's power Patrick wasn’t thrilled to have, the Boston Globe notes. He believed any pick would anger some portion of the Democratic establishment, and many independents don’t believe he should have the power at all. Kirk will only be in power until a January special election.

Paul Kirk shares a laugh with late Sen. Edward Kennedy, center, and his wife Victoria at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2008.
Paul Kirk shares a laugh with late Sen. Edward Kennedy, center, and his wife Victoria at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
Paul Kirk, Jr., chairman, John Kennedy Library Foundation Board of Directors, is seen at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2009.
Paul Kirk, Jr., chairman, John Kennedy Library Foundation Board of Directors, is seen at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole, File)
Paul Kirk, Jr., left, chairman of the John Kennedy Library Foundation, is seen alongside the late Ted Kennedy at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2008.
Paul Kirk, Jr., left, chairman of the John Kennedy Library Foundation, is seen alongside the late Ted Kennedy at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies in Boston, May 12, 2008.   (Lisa Poole)
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7 comments
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hybrid
Sep 24, 09 9:52 AM CDT
He’s also a former pharmaceutical company lobbyist, and a board member at Hartford Insurance Group. so where do his loyalty lie Reply
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+4
TheMan
Sep 24, 09 9:53 AM CDT
Evil carrying on for evil. Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
RockyPneumonia
Sep 24, 09 9:56 AM CDT
Care to share with us exactly what you think a sane, intelligent reader would define as "evil"?
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Sep 24, 09 10:08 AM CDT
Why bother Rocky? Unless it's purely for entertainment.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
RockyPneumonia
Sep 24, 09 10:14 AM CDT
Of course it's for entertainment. It's a trick question.
Vote up! Vote down!
+1

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