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Coakley Wins Dem Primary In Massachusetts, Is Likely Next Senator
Massachusetts Atty. Gen. Martha Coakley (D)
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Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has won the Democratic nomination in the special election for Senate -- close to a win in the general election itself, in this Democratic state, in the race to succeed the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.
With 94% of precincts reporting, Coakley has 47%, well ahead of her nearest opponent, Rep. Mike Capuano, with 28%. Coakley will face Republican state Sen. Scott Brown in the general election, which will be held on January 19, and in which the Democratic candidate will be heavily favored.
Coakley, who was elected attorney general in 2006 after having previously been Middlesex County District Attorney, was the only statewide official in the race. She began the primary as the clear frontrunner, and easily fended off efforts by Capuano to out-flank her on the left.
It should be noted that Capuano is not done with politics or out of office -- this was a special election, and he did not have to risk his current House seat for the race.
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precisioncontrol
December 8, 2009 10:27 PM
This is great news. We need more progressive women in the Senate. Women are underrepresented in the Senate.
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JNagarya
December 8, 2009 11:25 PM in reply to precisioncontrol
You'll like her, I think.
I'm only sad that it will end the relationship she and I never had.
One of the other Democrats, Pagliuca, who spent $10 million of his own money, is a co-owner of the Boston Celtics.
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ericf
December 8, 2009 10:45 PM
For those of us who don't follow Massachusetts politics, how is she likely to vote on the health care bill?
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tchampmass
December 8, 2009 11:02 PM in reply to ericf
She has said a Stupak-style restriction would be an irreducible deal-breaker for her, but is otherwise likely to support just about any bill the leadership is able to shepherd through
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JNagarya
December 8, 2009 11:27 PM in reply to ericf
1. Would vbote against it if it included restrictions on abortion.
2. She's staunchly for public option.
One of her campaign positives was that as MA AG she sued the health insurance industry and got significant fines out of it.
She's a good lady. Not flamboyant. But very smart, very intelligent, and very focused.
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Marie
December 9, 2009 9:52 AM
They need minorities in the Senate. That is the only way we can get something pass because the way it is right now. There are too many old white men in the Senate who have been there for far too long and do not want change. They are set in their own corrupted ways and interests. Their constituents don't mean anything to them.
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ilovebacon
December 9, 2009 10:47 AM
What ever happened to bloated baseball star Kurt Schilling? Wasn't he the Massachusetts Repubs superstar candidate just a few months ago?
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