Reid backs interim appointment for Kennedy's seat

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he backs a change in Massachusetts law to allow the governor to appoint a temporary replacement for the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's seat.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley said Thursday that with so many important issues at stake, the Nevada Democrat believes the state needs two senators until a special election can be held. Kennedy sent a letter last week to Gov. Deval Patrick and state lawmakers requesting the change.

State law requires an election within 145-160 days after a Senate seat that had been held for decades by the Democrat becomes vacant. That would leave the state without a vote in the Senate - and Senate Democrats one vote short as the health care reform debate nears a critical juncture.