Vicki Kennedy Endorses Coakley, Cites Ted's Work On Health Care

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic nominee in the January 19 special election for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, was formally endorsed today by the late Senator's widow Vicki Kennedy -- who made it clear that the health care bill is a big issue in this election.

"My husband fought for health care reform for more than 40 years. He called it the cause of his life. He believed that health care for all our citizens was a fundamental right and not a privilege," added Kennedy. "Martha Coakley shares those beliefs and she'll go to Washington to fight for us."

At Tuesday's debate, Republican candidate Scott Brown said that if he were elected he would be the 41st Republican, and said of the health care bill: "I can stop it so they can go back to the drawing board and do something better for Massachusetts." A Rasmussen poll earlier this week gave Coakley a lead of 50%-41%, with the potential for a Brown upset win if turnout were low and Republican voters more motivated.