Scott Brown collects 17K signatures, files first batch with Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown became the second official candidate on the December 8 ballot today, when he turned in 11,500 certified signatures to Secretary Galvin's office.  Brown is the first Republican candidate to secure a place on the ballot, and expects to turn in an additional 5,600 signtures next week.  In a statement, Brown acknowledged the volunteers who aided the signature effort:

“I’m extremely grateful to the hundreds of people who made sacrifices to help me get my signatures. They spent time away from their families. They gave up their weekends and evenings. I hope to be able to repay them by going to Washington and fighting for them.”

Whether or not Brown will have company on the Republican side of the ballot is still up in the air. The Daily News Tribune reported earlier today on Bob Burr's signature effort.