And with that majority, a lot hangs in the balance. Much of the Democrats’ major pieces of legislation couls be short down without a 60-seat hold on the upper house — legislation like Cap and Trade, universal health care, and other tax-and-spend policies.
The contested seat is the one vacated by the 2009 demise of Democrat Ted Kennedy, but for the first time in years, a Republican candidate seems to be within striking distance of winning come election day:
Buoyed by a huge advantage with independents and relative disinterest from Democratic voters in the state, Republican Scott Brown leads Martha Coakley 48-47.
Brown has eye popping numbers with independents, sporting a 70/16 favorability rating with them and holding a 63-31 lead in the horse race with Coakley. Health care may be hurting Democratic fortunes with that group, as only 27% of independents express support for Obama’s plan with 59% opposed.
It’s an interesting situation given the potential effects the outcome may have on the balance of power in Washington and — for that reason — worth watching.
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