Bipartisan Support for Vicki Kennedy as Ted's Successor

Prior to his death, Ted Kennedy said he hope the Massachusetts legislature would change the state's law so that the governor could appoint an interim replacement. On Sunday, two of his closest friends in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, said that they thought his widow, Vicki, would make an excellent temporary replacement for him should the Massachusetts legislature make that change.

Many states allow the governor to appoint a successor, but when John Kerry ran for president in 2004, the Democratically-controlled state legislature changed the law to prevent then governor Mitt Romney (a Republican) from appointing someone from the GOP if Kerry won.

However, the special election now required can't be held until January. With health care reform coming up for a vote, it's a long time to wait for Massachusetts to have a second senator.

Appearing on CNN's State of the Union, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) said that Vicki Kennedy "ought to be considered" for her late husband Ted's Senate post.

"She is a very brilliant lawyer . She's a very solid individual. She certainly made a difference in Ted's life, let me tell you. And I have nothing but respect for her."

Sen. Chris Dodd, (D-CT), also offered his backing for a Vicki Kennedy appointment in a phone interview on the same broadcast.

"We talk frequently. Whatever Vicki wants to do, I'm in her corner. She knows that. She has expressed to me her own reluctance to do that. But she could change her mind. And if she did I'm for it. I think she'd be great, I think Orrin's right, she brings talent and ability to it... we can certainly use her in the Senate. But leave it up to her. She has a lot on her mind right now. And, frankly, I leave it up to her decision-making process."

Vicki Kennedy is 55, and as Hatch indicated, is a lawyer. To this point, however, she's indicated she has no interest in taking over Ted Kennedy's seat. That hasn't stopped pundits, as well as legislators from talking up the possibility. With bipartisan support, perhaps she should reconsider.