Mass. Senate OKs Kennedy successor bill

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill allowing the governor to name an interim replacement to fill the late Edward Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat.

The bill goes back to both chambers for a final procedural vote on Wednesday before heading to Gov. Deval Patrick, who has said he would sign the bill.

Patrick's aides said they expect him to act quickly to name an appointee who would serve until voters pick a permanent replacement during a Jan. 19 special election.

The 40-member Senate approved the measure on an 24-to-16 vote.

Lawmakers have come under pressure from the Washington to pass the bill so Democrats can regain a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority in the U.S. Senate to help pass President Obama's health care overhaul.