Since this JUST hit the Boston Globe front page at 4:19 pm as breaking news, this one’s later... at least the Globe is convinced that the Governor will appoint a successor this week.
Lawmakers did not pass, however, an emergency preamble to the law, meaning that the governor would have to send a letter to the secretary of state requesting early implementation of a law.
They couldn't get the emergency preamble passed because it requires 2/3 vote. So now the governor makes his emergency request, the Sec of State says "okie-dokie", the 'Pubs file suit, the MA Sup Ct rules in favor of the Dems ( and maybe orders all the 'Pubs thrown in jail or shot or something)-- so the Dems get their Senator, but it will take a little time. Closer and closer to the Jan 19 election date.