Paul Kirk appointed interim Senator from Massachusetts

As of Friday, there will be 60 Democratic votes in the Senate again:

Governor Deval Patrick today named Paul G. Kirk Jr. to serve as interim US senator, making the announcement in the presence of the immediate family of the late Edward M. Kennedy.

"He is a distinguished lawyer, volunteer, and citizen, and he shares the sense of service that so distinguished Senator Ted Kennedy," Patrick said at a press conference at the State House. "Paul will not seek the open seat in the special election coming up in January. But for the next few months, he will carry on the work and the focus of Senator Kennedy, mindful of his mission, and his values, and his love of Massachusetts."

Kirk said he plans to take the oath of office on Friday.

The President already issued a statement, (received via email):

"I am pleased that Massachusetts will have its full representation in the United States Senate in the coming months, as important issues such as health care, financial reform and energy will be debated. Paul Kirk is a distinguished leader, whose long collaboration with Senator Kennedy makes him an excellent, interim choice to carry on his work until the voters make their choice in January."

I'm pleased that the Democrats have 60 Senators in their caucus in order to pass (not just debate) strong legislation on health insurance reform, financial reform and energy.

Now that the Democrats have 60 Senators again, will Rahm Emanuel and his White House colleagues continue to treat Olympia Snowe like the only Senator that matters? (UPDATE: At DailyKos, slinkerwink reports that Rahm is saying the Senate doesn't have the votes to pass the public option and this is a key point:

I believe one of the qualities of a chief of staff in the White House is to do some arm-twisting. Looks like he's not bothering to twist the arms of these Senators on the Senate Finance Committee when it comes to the three public option amendments being offered. It means that he's fine with the Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee not supporting the public option, and voting it down in favor of a possible trigger amendment being floated by Senator Snowe.

Seems like Rahm only plays hard ball with the liberal groups in DC. Besides that, his bark apparently has no bite.)

In Massachusetts, a primary is scheduled for December 8th with the general election on January 19, 2010.