"Cool" interim U.S. Senator Mo Cowan

WWLP TV

Updated: Jan 30, 2013 6:53 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — Governor Deval Patrick tapped his former top aide, William “Mo” Cowan, to become interim-U.S. Senator, replacing John Kerry who resigned to become Secretary of State. But who is Mo Cowan?  In a word…

“He’s cool,” remarked Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.

Cowan first joined the Patrick administration in 2009 as legal counsel.  He was promoted to chief of staff the following year.  He’s the behind-the-scenes man often seen standing close to the governor during important announcements, wearing his trademark bow tie. Cowan resigned last November with plans of returning to the private sector – but those plans will have to wait.  

“Oh there’s much to get done,” said Cowan, referring to ongoing federal budget talks in Washington.  “The issue of the sequester is still very much on the table. It’s due to happen on March 1 st …The best strategy here… is a balanced approach to this, some spending cuts, some revenue.”

As the second African-American U.S. Senator to serve Massachusetts, Cowan thanked his wife, kids and mother. Cowan’s mother lives in North Carolina and grew up in the segregated South.  She always told her son that if he worked hard, he could achieve anything.

“What I do see is an affirmation of the American Dream,” said Governor Patrick.  “When Mo talked about what his mother conveyed to him about what was possible in this country, I think that is a thing to celebrate every opportunity we have.”

A special election will be held on June 25 th to elect a permanent U.S. Senator to serve out the rest of John Kerry’s term.  Democratic Congressman Ed Markey has publicly announced his bid for the seat and it’s speculated that former U.S. Senator Scott Brown will enter the race for the Republican Party.

 

Copyright 2013 WWLP TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.