According to
The Boston Globe, MA lawmakers are plotting a plan to keep the state's delegation all democrat, all the time:
Beacon Hill lawmakers want to pass legislation that would leave Kerry's seat vacant for two months or more, until a special election is held to fill it. That would prevent the Republican governor from naming an interim senator, as is currently required by state law.
That didn't take them long! Is this the way to go? Discuss! Take the poll! :)
More of the good stuff from the article:
The initiator of the proposal -- Representative William M. Straus, Democrat of Mattapoisett -- insisted he is not being partisan.
Under Article 17 of the US Constitution, governors derive the power of filling a Senate vacancy from their legislatures. Most states now give a governor that power, but several don't. Oregon law calls for a special election "as soon as practicable" with no interim appointment. Washington allows the governor to temporarily fill the vacancy, but also calls for a special election in 90 days, with a primary no less then 30 days before the final runoff.
Straus said he would like to adopt a version of the Oregon system. But Galvin raised doubts that elections, both primary and general, could be completed by late spring.
Romney says he plans to run for reelection in 2006 and has no interest in serving in the Senate. But he could face heavy pressure from the national Republican Party to seek the seat. With his high name recognition, general popularity, and his ability to tap into his own fortune for campaign funds, the governor would be a formidable candidate against a Democrat emerging from a tough primary fight in a hastily run special election. [...]
In 1985, just days before Kerry was scheduled to be sworn in to the Senate, Governor Michael S. Dukakis appointed Kerry to the seat to give him a leg up in seniority.