Newly retired Rep. Frank asks for temporary Senate seat

BOSTON (AP) — Newly retired U.S. Rep. Barney Frank says he'd like to be the temporary successor to Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.

Frank confirmed to The Associated Press that he asked Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this week to appoint him as interim senator until a special election is held to fill Kerry's seat. Kerry has been nominated to be secretary of state.

Frank says he's well suited to the job because he won't need a long time to get acquainted with things.

Frank first disclosed his conversation with the governor on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Friday, one day after his 32-year House career ended.

A spokeswoman for Patrick says the governor had no immediate comment.

Under state law, the governor must appoint an interim senator if the Senate confirms Kerry as secretary of state. A special election would then be scheduled about five months later.