Mass. gov. picks ex-aide Cowan as interim senator

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Credit Courtesy of the Office of Governor Deval Patrick

William 'Mo' Cowan

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has tapped his former chief-of-staff William "Mo" Cowan to serve as interim U.S. senator until a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Secretary of State-designate John Kerry.

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Credit Eric Haynes / Governor's Office

Thursday, June 28, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick and his chief of staff, Mo Cowan, watch the president address the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act from the Governor's Office while members of the media photograph.

Patrick says Cowan's role in helping turn around the Massachusetts economy in recent years "has earned him the respect and admiration of people throughout government." He says the state will benefit from Cowan's wisdom and good judgment.

Cowan, a North Carolina native, says he is "honored and humbled" by the appointment.

Cowan is the former chief of staff and chief legal counsel to Patrick. He served in the administration since 2009.

Cowan will serve as senator until voters elect a new senator during a special election on June 25.

Kerry's resignation from the Senate takes effect Friday.

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Associated Press writers Steve Peoples and Steve LeBlanc contributed to this report.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.