Lincoln Journal 9/8/09: Debate continues on how to fill Kennedy’s seat . Local officials sounded off last week on what path should be taken in order to fill the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat, left vacant after his death on Aug. 25 of brain cancer. State Rep. Tom Conroy, D-Wayland, said he is in the process of researching the law changes that were made in 2004 as well as the constitution, and he has not made a definitive decision yet on a proper course of action for replacing Kennedy.