Deval Patrick Picks Ex-Aide to Replace Kerry

Sorry, Barney Frank. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will name his former chief-of-staff, William "Mo" Cowan, as John Kerry's interim replacement in the Senate, passing over the more famous retired congressman, a source tells the AP. The pick is expected to be announced later today. Cowan will hold the job until a new senator is elected on June 25, a potentially critical stretch that will include battles over the federal budget and debt ceiling.

Frank had been the only candidate openly campaigning for the post, though Michael Dukakis and Victoria Kennedy had been mentioned as possibilities as well. Steve Kornacki at Salon saw the snub coming, reasoning that Patrick wouldn't appreciate the congressman's attempts to pigeon-hole him. You can read Kornacki's full rationale here. (More Deval Patrick stories.)