Staff to close Sen. Kennedy's office in October

WASHINGTON - Staffers for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy can stay on the payroll until late October as they shut down his Senate office.

Kennedy's staff was given up to 60 days from the date of his death to complete the closing, according to Beth Provenzano, deputy chief of staff for the secretary of the Senate's office which is overseeing the effort.

How they voted

Area members of the Massachusetts Senate and House voted as follows on the bill amending the state's U.S. Senate succession law. A "yes" vote was in favor of the change; a "no" vote was in opposition to it.

SENATE:

Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham - Y

Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfied - Y

Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield - N

Kennedy successor bill OK'd

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill allowing Gov. Deval Patrick to name an interim replacement to fill the late Edward Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat.

The Senate backed the measure Tuesday on a 24-16 vote after a spirited debate, with 11 Democrats joining all five Republicans, who had twice delayed debate. The House approved the bill on Friday.