Healthcare Problem For Dems: Kennedy’s Seat Up For Grabs

By Donald Griffith on January 18, 2010, 4:17 pm

President Obama made an unscheduled trip to Massachusetts this weekend to try and save the floundering campaign of Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) for the U.S. Senate seat that was held by Ted Kennedy for decades. Up until a month ago Coakley was considered a “done deal” for that seat, one the current administration desperately needs to keep in their pocket if health care is to pass.

Challenger Scott Brown

Republican challenger Scott Brown has come smoking up through the polls in the past four weeks erasing an almost 20 point deficit, and according to his sources, the money is flowing into his campaign. He is reportedly raising a million dollars a day now. It was just within the last three weeks that President Obama indicated he would not be going to Boston to campaign for Coakley. He was going to stay in Washington and oversee the progress on the health care conference between House and Senate Democrats.

 

Effect On The Healthcare Bill

However, the bill, which squeaked through the U. S. Senate with only the exact 60 votes (all Democrat) needed to pass, was so close to defeat that the Massachusetts election may make the difference in whether it will become law or not. The Democrats are pulling out all the stops here late in the campaign for Coakley. Former President Bill Clinton and Senator John Kerry held a rally for her today (Friday), and President Obama was there Sunday. U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D) of that state said Friday “If Scott Brown wins, it’ll kill the health care bill.” Brown has repeatedly said during the campaign that he will be the 41st vote against health care. It isn’t assured that a visit from President Obama can make the differene Coakley needs. Almost 42% of the state’s voters are Independent, and it is clear they will be difference in this election.

Related posts:

1. Let The Blame Game Begin Over Winning The Senate Seat In Mass.
2. Three Ballots Already Marked In Close Mass. Senate Election
3. Scott Brown Is Driving His Truck To Washington In The Voter’s Seat!
4. President Obama Puts His Credibility On Line With Kennedy’s Open Seat
5. Why Nancy Pelosi Is Negatively Impacting Health Care Reform