John Kerry Confirmed As Secretary of State

Kerry will replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

With only three dissenting votes, the U.S. Senate has confirmed John Kerry as the new Secretary of State.  Kerry will take over for Hillary Clinton, who is leaving her post after four years. The move means Kerry will have to resign as a senator soon paving the way for a special senate election. The primary election is scheduled for April 30 and the general election will be held on June 25.  U.S. Congressman Ed Markey, D-MA, has announced he is running for the seat. U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch, D-MA has hinted that he may run.  As for an interim senator for Kerry's seat, Gov. Deval Patrick plans to announce his pick on Wednesday, Jan. 30, according to the Boston Herald.

• Photos (1)

John Kerry’s Confirmation Hearing Scheduled for Jan. 24

A special election would be held 145 to 160 days after confirmation.

Sen. John Kerry’s confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of State will take place on Jan. 24, according to Fox25. No opposition is expected to Kerry’s nomination. If he is named to the new post, a special election will be held 145 to 160 days after the confirmation and an interim senator will be named to serve until the election. The front runner to replace Kerry is Congressman Edward Markey. A number of Democratic leaders have already voiced their support of Markey. Congressman Michael Capuano announced earlier this week that he will not run for the seat and Congressman Stephen Lynch is still mulling the possibility. On the Republican side, former Sen. Scott Brown has not announced whether he is going to run.

• Photos (1)

So, This is Happening

Former Sec. of State Albright Speaks at St. John's

Madeleine Albright will give a talk at St. John's.

Dr. Madeleine K. Albright presents "The Courage to Listen: Maintaining Civility in Discourse, Discussion and Decision-Making in the Years Ahead at St. John's High School on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. As it says on St. John's website, Dr. Albright "was ambassador to the United Nations from 1991 until 1997, when she became Secretary of State during the Clinton administration until 2001. She was the first woman to hold that office. Dr. Albright has also served on the National Security Council. She is currently a Professor of International Relations at the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. In May of 2012, Dr. Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. " The Community Advocate reports that Albright "will …

• Photos (1)