Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is supporting a change in state law that would allow him to appoint an interim successor to Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat while a special election is held.

Unlike most states, a successor to a vacant U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts is chosen by special election five months after the opening, not appointed by the governor.

In a recent letter to lawmakers, Kennedy asked that the law be changed to allow the governor to appoint someone to the seat during the course of the election — provided that person pledge not to run for the seat.

In an interview today on WBUR, Patrick called the proposal "entirely reasonable" and said he would sign the bill if it reached his desk.Legislative leaders have not said if they support the proposal.