Democratic Stalwart to Succeed Ted Kennedy

Thursday September 24, 2009 12:00 PM EDT

Paul G. Kirk Jr.

Lisa Poole/AP

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U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died last month, will be replaced by a former Democratic National Committee chairman, and Kennedy's ex-assistant and close friend.

Paul G. Kirk Jr., 71, was announced as Kennedy's interim replacement by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick this morning. On Tuesday, the state legislature passed a resolution allowing the governor to appoint a temporary replacement; a special election will be held to allow voters to select Kennedy's permanent replacement on Jan. 19, 2010.
– Michael Y. Park