Mass. gov. picks William Cowan as interim senator

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

FILE - This undated file photo released by the Massachusetts Governor's office shows William "Mo" Cowan, right, former chief of staff for Gov. Deval Patrick. On Wednesday, Jan. 30 2013, Patrick will appoint Cowan as interim senator to fill our the term for John Kerry, who was confirmed to be the next secretary of state Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. (AP Photo / Massachusetts Governor's Office, File)

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BOB SALSBERG

BOSTON -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has tapped his former chief-of-staff William "Mo" Cowan to serve as interim U.S. senator until a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Secretary of State-designate John Kerry.

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Patrick says Cowan's role in helping turn around the Massachusetts economy in recent years "has earned him the respect and admiration of people throughout government." He says the state will benefit from Cowan's wisdom and good judgment.

Cowan, a North Carolina native, says he is "honored and humbled" by the appointment.

Cowan is the former chief of staff and chief legal counsel to Patrick. He served in the administration since 2009.

Cowan will serve as senator until voters elect a new senator during a special election on June 25.

Kerry's resignation from the Senate takes effect Friday.

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Associated Press writers Steve Peoples and Steve LeBlanc contributed to this report.

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massachusetts, john kerry, politics