Rep. Ed Markey could be just days away from being sworn-in as the state's next U.S. senator.

Gov. Deval Patrick has scheduled a meeting of the Governor's Council for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday to officially certify the results of the June 25 special election in which Markey defeated Republican Gabriel Gomez.

Once that occurs, Markey can officially take the Senate seat previously held by John Kerry. A spokeswoman for Markey said the exact timing of the swearing-in was not known.

William "Mo" Cowan has been serving as interim senator since Kerry was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of State.

Markey was first elected to the U.S. House in 1976.

[Associated Press]

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