Mass. Special Election May Impact Healthcare Overhaul Bill

01-19-2010

On January 19, Massachusetts voters will have the opportunity to elect a new senator to replace the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) who died of brain cancer last August.  Depending on the party leanings of the newly elected senator, his/her vote may be the deciding one for the healthcare overhaul bill.

According to Massachusetts state law, the Senate seat was required to remain vacant for 145-160 days before a special election could be held.  Prior to his death, Kennedy had requested that the state reconsider this law to provide a replacement in a shorter time frame, but no adjustment to the law was made.

Now, 147 days after Kennedy’s passing, citizens of Massachusetts will have the opportunity to elect a replacement.  Democrat Attorney General Martha Coakley was originally favored to win the election in the staunchly blue state, though Republican state senator Scott Brown has been gaining momentum among those who oppose healthcare reform.  If Coakley wins, Democrats keep their majority and will be able to pass the healthcare initiative without worry of a prolonged filibuster.  If Brown wins, he would be the 41st Republican, meaning Senate Democrats no longer have a filibuster-proof majority.