Action Today on Kennedy's Replacement

BOSTON (CN) – The Massachusetts House of Representatives is scheduled to vote this afternoon (Thursday) on whether to allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint an interim senator to replace the late Teddy Kennedy until a special election on Jan. 19. The issue is of national importance, as a replacement could help Democrats get the 60th vote they need to pass health-care legislation. The bill is expected to pass the Massachusetts House, but Republicans in the state Senate have vowed to block or delay it.