Associated Press - September 10, 2009 7:44 PM ET

BOSTON (AP) - The head of President Barack Obama's Massachusetts organizing committee wants residents to urge their state legislators to support an interim appointment to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy's seat.

Organizing for America Director John Spears says replacing Kennedy will ensure Obama has the votes he needs to pass a health care overhaul.

He says supporters "need to make sure Gov. Deval Patrick can appoint an interim senator until a special election can be held."

Last month, a White House spokesman said the matter was up to state officials to decide.

On Thursday, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, which often addresses Obama's political affairs, said Organizing for America is working to pass the his agenda and needs every vote it can get.

The special election is Jan. 19. Kennedy died Aug. 25 of brain cancer.

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