The NY Times offers this report. As I’ve indicated, I don’t expect the succession law to be changed despite Senator Kennedy’s letter. This means the seat is likely to be vacant until the special election set at least 145 days from now.
On a personal note, I offer my condolences to the Kennedy family and the Senator’s friends. I met Senator Kennedy once, when I testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the renewal of section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Even though I was testifying for the other side, Senator Kennedy made it a point to come over, shake my hand, and engage in some friendly talk. He was not just a great Senator, capable of forging truly bipartisan compromises, but a gracious and generous individual. He will be missed.