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Senator Dukakis?

E-mail|Link|Comments () September 16, 2009 01:43 PM

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

With legislative leaders believing they have narrow majorities in both chambers to give the governor power to appoint an interim US senator, questions are turning to just who that appointee might be.

A familiar face is mentioned as possible Senate appointee

At a dedication this morning to name the Massachusetts community college system after former Governor Foster Furcolo, former Treasurer Bob Crane looked to his left in the House chamber and recognized “Senator Dukakis.”

Former Governor Michael Dukakis, who has been seen as a leading choice for the interim appointment, grinned wide, shook his head, and looked down.

Afterward, the normally loquacious former governor dodged numerous questions over whether he is interested in the appointment.

“I’m not commenting,” he said. “Why not? 'Cause I don’t want to comment.”

Is he interested?

“I’m not going to talk about that,” he said. “The one thing that’s important is that the bill gets passed.”

He wouldn’t comment on whether he would rule it out.

“I think it’s important the bill get passed, fast. That’s the important thing,” he said at one point, adding as he walked to the exit, “I’m heading for the T! I’m heading for the T!”

Meanwhile, President Obama’s grassroots organization again urged its network to call their legislators in support of the bill.

"Votes are happening right now in the committee that's directly responsible for this issue (called the Joint Committee on Election Laws), and a full floor vote is expected tomorrow," John Spears, Massachusetts director of Organizing for America, told supporters in an email that went out this morning marked "URGENT."

“We need full representation at this crucial moment, and your voice can help make that a reality,” he added.