It's a smart decision.  As the editorial states, the position is an interim one of perhaps five months. In a body like the U.S. Senate, seniority is a major determinant of influence ("clout").  One cannot gain influence in so short a period.  At the same time, Gov. Patrick has every incentive not to appoint someone who would run for the permanent seat.  There are already two sitting U.S. Representatives who have evinced an interest in running, and it is not unheard-of that a recently-resigned Representative can start to regret leaving Congress and suddenly decides to run again, and this is not inconceivable for Barney Frank. Any of these politicians would understandably see selection of an active politician by the Governor as taking sides and as de facto selection of the Democratic candidate for the coming election.  This would poison the Governor's relationship with the Representatives themselves and with large sections of the state Democratic party. Also, neither Rep. Markey nor Rep. Lynch would be a shoo-in in the special election. (Moreover, raising money and campaigning for the special election would detract from any minimal influence they might obtain in what is, essentially, a lame-duck position.  Meanwhile, Mr. Cowan has disavowed--believably, I think--any ambition of running for the seat in the coming special election.  Also, as the editorial admits, he is competent and knowledgeable about issues involved in governance.  Under the circumstances, neither the Governor nor the Commonwealth would have anything  to gain by following the Globe's counsel in this case and appointing an active and aspiring politician to the interim Senate seat.