Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis declined this afternoon to completely rule out a temporary appointment to the US Senate, though he called it unlikely because of a teaching obligation.

“I’m heading for the West on the 26th of December and I start teaching the week after,” Dukakis said, when asked if he was interested in an appointment to fill John Kerry’s seat if, as expected, Kerry becomes secretary of state. “It’s highly unlikely in any event. I’m committed to teaching.”