Longtime Kennedy friend takes Senate seat

Paul Kirk takes the oath into the US Senate seat held by the late Edward M. Kennedy, giving the Democrats an absolute majority heading toward a health care debate.

The ceremony on Friday was not attended by many of his colleagues since it preceded a religious holiday.

Kirk, 71, a lifelong friend and former aide to Ted Kennedy, will fill the vacancy until Massachusetts voters elect a permanent replacement on January 19 for the late senator, who passed away from a severe brain cancer.

"The honor of being designated as one who will be the voice for Senator Kennedy's constituents and the one from his state who will vote for his causes -- combine that with the kind of love and friendship we had for one another -- it is almost overwhelming," Kirk said.

Kirk, who became the second person to hold the Senate seat in half a century, took the oath after a judge rejected a Republican effort to stop the appointment.

The New York Times reported that Kirk had a very emotional experience followed by anticipation and "the profound absence of a friend."

Senator Kirk will now bring the Democratic majority to a minimum of 60, the magic number needed to overcome procedural objections and advanced measures.