Outgoing Rep. Barney Frank (P-MA) has asked to be appointed as an interim senator to replace Sen. John Kerry (D-MA).

Frank, who just retired from Congress, said Friday he had asked Massachusettes Gov. Deval Patrick for the appointement, which would put the outspoken Democrat in the Senate while Kerry seeks confirmation as secretary of State.

Frank said he wanted the appointment so that he could serve during looming negotiations on the debt ceiling and sequester.

"I'm not going to be coy, it's not [something] I've ever been good at, I told the governor I would now like frankly to do that, because I would like to be part of that," Frank told MSNBC. "It would only be a three-month period, I wouldn't want to do anything more, I wouldn't run again."

Kerry was recently tapped to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, and his nomination is widely expected to earn confirmation from the Senate. Patrick would appoint a temporary replacement until a special election could be held later in the year.

Frank said that while he could see how the request might seem "a little arrogant," he felt that his experience in Congress could benefit his home state during crucial negotiations. Under the "fiscal cliff" deal struck earlier this week, no resolution was reached on an extension of the debt ceiling, set to expire early this year, while deep sequestration cuts were only delayed two months.

"That deal now means Feburary, March, and April are going to be among the most important months in American financial history," Frank said.

He also said he didn't expect the appointment request, if granted, to significantly change his legacy.

"32 years in the House, three months in the Senate — I'm still a House man," Frank said.

Frank had previously indicated that he was open to serving in the position, although did not openly lobby for it.

READ FULL SOURCE ARTICLE: 01/04/2013

Editor's Note: How many languages do we have to say, "No!" in to be heard?