Senate Moves Aim to Return Stability to Roiled Chamber

Former Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

BOSTON (AP) — Another week of drama in the Massachusetts Senate has provided answers about the short-term leadership of the chamber but leaves unanswered questions about its future.

Democrats who remain in control of the chamber huddled for hours behind closed doors amid the appearance of growing internal strife caused by the ongoing ethics investigation involving former Senate President Stan Rosenberg.

Senators later voted to remove “acting” from the title of Senate President Harriette Chandler. It means Chandler will remain in the top leadership post through the year’s end and sets up an election for a new Senate president next January.

Democrats hope the moves will offer stability as they tackle key legislation in the coming months and strengthen the Senate’s hand in future negotiations with the House and Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.