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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator John Kerry has cleared a major hurdle to become the next Secretary of State. This morning, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved his nomination. The full Senate will vote later today.

Kerry would take over the position from Hillary Clinton, who is stepping down.

Once the confirmation is official, the race for his Senate seat kicks in. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will appoint someone to fill Kerry's Senate seat until a special election is held in June.