John Kerry approved as Sec. of State

BOSTON, MASS. (WPRI) – Senator John Kerry is on his way to joining President Obama’s cabinet.

In a 94 to 3 vote Tuesday the Massachusetts Senior Senator was confirmed as the nation’s next Secretary of State, replacing Hillary Clinton

"I've served with him on the Foreign Relations Committee, and certainly has an international reputation, ran for President of the United State came very close so this is a capstone to a very good career,” said Governor Lincoln Chafee

Following Kerry’s confirmation Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick released a statement congratulating Kerry and saying in part, "We are sad to lose him as our Senator, but excited about and grateful for his service to the Nation on the international stage."

This means Massachusetts voters will once again have to choose a new Senator. A special primary election will be held on April 30th and a general election on June 25th.

Both democratic Congressman Ed Markey and for republican Senator Scott Brown have announced interest in running in the special election.

Governor Patrick is expected to appoint a temporary replacement on Wednesday and says his selection will be a person not planning to run in the special election.

Former U.S. representative Barney Frank is the only person who has publicly expressed interest as serving as the interim senator but names like Carol Fulp, William Cowan, Victoria Kennedy and former Governor Michael Dukakis are also drawing speculation.