Boston (WBZ Newsroom) -- Word from Beacon Hill is that there are just enough votes in the House and Senate to approve the measure giving Deval Patrick the power to name an interim U.S. Senator.
The Boston GLobe reports House Speaker Bob DeLeo is among those backing the bill. Previously, he hadn't announced a position.
DeLeo's blessing dosen't make it a sure thing. Republicans could block the bill or kill it through parliamentary maneuvers.
Meantime, there's movement in the legislatire to make some changes to the bill alllowing the government to name a temporary replacement as long as that person is of the same party as the one who's death or resignation created the vacancy.