BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick supports changing state law to allow him to appoint an interim successor to Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat.

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 during the course of the election – provided that person pledges not to run for the seat.

In an interview Wednesday on WBUR-FM, 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 idea.