Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick wasted little time Monday making it clear he wants to fill the vacancy created by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy quickjly.

          Shortly before he died Tuesday night, Kennedy wrote Patrick that he wanted the state law changed so an interim senator could be named and serve immediately. Congress returns to work Sept. 8, and health care, the issue Kennedy called "the cause of my political life," is likely to dominate debate.

          Patrick said Monday at a Boston news conference, “

Massachusetts

voters will have their opportunity to fill this Senate vacancy,” adding “the only way to make sure

Massachusetts

is fully represented until the voters of the state elect our next senator in January."

          The primary will be held Dec. 8, with the election Jan. 19, and Patrick, as Kennedy wished, said he would get "personal assurance" from the appointee that he or she would not seek to run.

     A joint legislative committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Sept. 9, and Patrick could approve legislation as soon as late September. He could apparently then appoint a new senator the same day he signed the bill.

.     Among the appointees mentioned are former Gov. Michael Dukakis, the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, and Kennedy's widow Vicki,though ABC News is reporing she is not interested in the seat.