Bill to fill late Sen. Kennedy seat moves ahead

The House voted 95-58; the measure goes to the state Senate, which could take up the proposal today. But Republicans have threatened to try to delay a vote, and, through procedural maneuvers, could do so for several days.

Patrick, a Democrat, has said that if both chambers approved the measure, he would appoint a temporary successor to Kennedy within days.

The appointee would serve until a special election on Jan. 19, and could play a crucial role in the fate of the health care bill making its way through Congress.

With the Kennedy seat empty, Democrats in the Senate are not assured the 60 votes necessary to pass the legislation. They could use procedural shortcuts to get the bill passed, but that could cause havoc in the Senate.