The West Virginia state legislature on Monday approved a plan to hold a special election in November to fill the seat of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.

Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat considered a likely candidate for the Senate race, signed the measure after a compromise worked out by state lawmakers won
final approval.

The primary election will be August 28 and the vote for Byrd's successor will take place as part of the congressional mid-term election November 2, Manchin said.

Last week, Manchin appointed a former aide as the interim replacement for Byrd until the special election. The interim senator, Carte Goodwin, is expected to cast a key vote Tuesday when the U.S. Senate considers extending unemployment benefits.

A Republican filibuster has prevented Democrats from ending debate on the measure, but with Goodwin's vote and support from two Republicans, Democrats believe they can overcome the GOP maneuver.