Kirk pushes for public option

Standing at the desk of his longtime mentor and close friend, Kirk struck a theme Kennedy emphasized during his 47 years in the Senate: reaching across the aisle to Republicans on a critical issue facing the nation.

But he also declared his support for a public option - a proposal that is causing much of the partisan divide. Kirk said a government-run plan is needed to “stimulate competition and reduce costs in the health care marketplace,’’ but Republicans say it would drive private insurers out of business and give government too big a role in the health care system.

“At this moment, we are closer to realizing the long-held dream that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care than at any time in our nation’s history,’’ Kirk told his colleagues. “At this moment, when America’s families are imperiled by economic hardship and uncertainty, it provides them no comfort to see the United States Senate so politically polarized over an issue that should be bringing us together on their behalf.’’

The speech was a sharp departure for Kirk, who has kept a low profile since he was sworn in Sept. 25 as Kennedy’s interim replacement.

As a freshman senator who will leave office after a Jan. 19 special election, Kirk has little status under Senate protocol, but as Kennedy’s former top aide and a past Democratic Party chairman, the genial Kirk is widely respected among Republicans as well as Democrats.

In his speech, Kirk also lamented the fact that powerful special interests “with a financial stake in our failing health care system’’ have been able to influence the debate.

He called it regrettable that special interest groups had attacked the landmark 2006 Massachusetts law, which he pointed to as a model, saying former Republican governor Mitt Romney worked with the Democratic Legislature and signed a law that led to health care coverage for 97 percent of the state’s population.

“When I accepted my oath a month ago, much was made of my being the 60th vote for health reform,’’ Kirk said. “This debate should not be about one party reaching 60 votes; it should be about 100 senators reaching out to each other to reform a health care system that better reflects the true values and character of our nation.

“I hope we will pause for a moment - to hear Ted Kennedy’s voice in the quiet of our hearts. You and I know, he will urge us to seize this moment - to come together in this common cause, and to make sure, at long last, that all Americans will have access to the quality, affordable health care they have long deserved and so urgently need.’’

Just a few senators were present for Kirk’s speech, including Majority Leader Harry Reid, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, all Democrats.

Nevertheless, Kirk said “it was hard not to be’’ choked up and nervous while standing at Kennedy’s old desk, and he “gulped a couple of times’’ before speaking.

“There are so many different emotions that flow through,’’ he said.

Susan Milligan of the Globe staff contributed to this report.