Appointing Kirk wouldn't be any kind of expansion of nepotism... he isn't a Kennedy family member, but was a trusted advisor to Senator Kennedy for decades.

It seems that Gov. Patrick should seek an interim replacement who will fulfill the will of Massachusetts voters, who re-elected Kennedy with 69% of the vote in 2006. To that end, it makes sense to appoint someone to serve until the January election who will be consistent with Kennedy's views and priorities. Paul Kirk would certainly meet that description (as would Vicki Kennedy, and a number of other folks who have advised and worked closely with Kennedy during his service).

If the appointed Senator were going to serve longer than a few months or were going to run in the special election, I would feel differently about this -- but it seems to me that the proper course in this case is for Patrick to appoint someone close to Kennedy for this short period until Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to make their selection.

(And, for the record, I have mixed feelings about Paul Kirk, having clashed with him on a variety of issues when he was DNC chair - he wouldn't be my choice, but I'm not the one making the appointment.)

It's too late to get into the game practically speaking with all of the $$$ going to Cloakley and Capuano.

Representative democracy they call it. It seems to be a tough concept for some people these days.