Congratulations to the next United States Senator from Massachusetts - Scott Brown.
Brown ran one of the great campaigns in Massachusetts history. He absolutely earned his place in the Senate chamber, and I wish him the best of luck as he works to tackle the difficult problems our nation faces.
I will likely write one final wrap up post tomorrow.
Until then, thank you all for reading. It has been an absolute pleasure to follow this race.
AP calls the race for Scott Brown
The Associated Press has officially called the race for Scott Brown.
History has been made in Massachusetts tonight.
History has been made in Massachusetts tonight.
My vote.
On December 8, I wrote a column outlining my vote in the Demcratic Primary. I am going to do the same tonight. As I said then, I did not offer an endorsement in this race, and am only posting the following now that the polls have closed. Since September, I have tried to present each candidate fairly, and if bias came through I apologize. It was not intentional.
I cast my first ballot just over 11 years ago, and have missed only one election since (when I forgot to send my absentee ballot back from DC in the Romney-O'Brien 2002 Gubernatorial race).
Never before in all those elections (for city councilors, state legislators, congressmen, etc.) have I struggled so much internally with my vote.
I first met Scott Brown in 2004 when he was running for State Senate. I thought he was a very nice guy, but wasn't overly impressed by him as a candidate.
What I have seen since September has absolutely shocked me. Brown has run, without a doubt, one of the best political campaigns I have ever seen. From the great web-videos in October and conversation-starting commericials in December and January, to the savvy use of social media and the remarkable use of online tools to organize GOP voters - Brown and his team ran a practically flawless campaign for four months. He succeeded in resurrecting a moribound Republican party in Massachusetts, and single-handedly put this election on the map. Most importantly, he improved as a candidate tremendously - not just from 2004, but from the beginning of this campaign.
By comparison, I found Martha Coakley profoundly disappointing as a candidate. As I wrote in my primary post, as far back as 2006 I had "a certain feeling that [Coakley] would be a candidate for Senate if and when Senator Kerry moved on or Senator Kennedy retired," and "I often told friends and colleague that she would be a very strong candidate and extremely difficult to beat." My prognostication skills clearly need some work.
I also wrote, "I actually think it was Coakley who had the strongest momentum heading into [primary] Election Day." If my analysis was accurate, then she absolutely squandered that momentum.
There are plenty of parties to blame for the collapse of her lead in January, but certainly the candidate and her team will shoulder most of it. The tepid campaign they ran (the boring ads, the lack of retail politics, the sometimes ridiculous comments), did nothing to convince me that Coakley related to me as a person.
Issues presented a different problem. On social issues I disagree with Brown. On Afghanistan I agree with him. On some economic issues I agree, on others I differ. Same thing with Coakley. I don't agree with her on terrorists, or Afghanistan. I agree with her on social issues and split the economic ones. The final tally put me more in alignment with Coakley than Brown, but not overwhelmingly.
Basically, the two candidates fought to a standstill in my head (apologies to Joe Kennedy, but I disagree with most of his philosophy and he wasn't in the running).
So then I thought: I voted for President Obama in 2008. I have not given up on him. I am hoping he gets until at least the end of the year to try and implement his agenda. Then we'll see what happens.
And that's when things got REALLY conflicted...
...Because I don't support national health care reform.
I love that we have such a law in Massachusetts. I think it's working. I think if the people in Alabama or New Mexico or Texas want health care reform, they can pass their own law. I think Massachusetts could be negatively impacted by the national effort. I don't buy into all the ridiculous hype, but I do think it should be a state issue.
By all accounts, I should have voted for Scott Brown. But I voted for Martha Coakley.
It was not a vote for her, but a vote for the President I still haven't given up on. It wasn't a vote for health care reform (and Reid-Pelosi made that decision easy anyway by announcing they would pass a bill regardless), but a vote for what I hope are Obama's plans to get our economy going again and win the war in Afghanistan. I vote for changed 14 months ago, and I'm not ready to do it again just yet.
Unfortunately for Martha Coakley? I have voted for exactly 3 winners in 11 years.
I cast my first ballot just over 11 years ago, and have missed only one election since (when I forgot to send my absentee ballot back from DC in the Romney-O'Brien 2002 Gubernatorial race).
Never before in all those elections (for city councilors, state legislators, congressmen, etc.) have I struggled so much internally with my vote.
I first met Scott Brown in 2004 when he was running for State Senate. I thought he was a very nice guy, but wasn't overly impressed by him as a candidate.
What I have seen since September has absolutely shocked me. Brown has run, without a doubt, one of the best political campaigns I have ever seen. From the great web-videos in October and conversation-starting commericials in December and January, to the savvy use of social media and the remarkable use of online tools to organize GOP voters - Brown and his team ran a practically flawless campaign for four months. He succeeded in resurrecting a moribound Republican party in Massachusetts, and single-handedly put this election on the map. Most importantly, he improved as a candidate tremendously - not just from 2004, but from the beginning of this campaign.
By comparison, I found Martha Coakley profoundly disappointing as a candidate. As I wrote in my primary post, as far back as 2006 I had "a certain feeling that [Coakley] would be a candidate for Senate if and when Senator Kerry moved on or Senator Kennedy retired," and "I often told friends and colleague that she would be a very strong candidate and extremely difficult to beat." My prognostication skills clearly need some work.
I also wrote, "I actually think it was Coakley who had the strongest momentum heading into [primary] Election Day." If my analysis was accurate, then she absolutely squandered that momentum.
There are plenty of parties to blame for the collapse of her lead in January, but certainly the candidate and her team will shoulder most of it. The tepid campaign they ran (the boring ads, the lack of retail politics, the sometimes ridiculous comments), did nothing to convince me that Coakley related to me as a person.
Issues presented a different problem. On social issues I disagree with Brown. On Afghanistan I agree with him. On some economic issues I agree, on others I differ. Same thing with Coakley. I don't agree with her on terrorists, or Afghanistan. I agree with her on social issues and split the economic ones. The final tally put me more in alignment with Coakley than Brown, but not overwhelmingly.
Basically, the two candidates fought to a standstill in my head (apologies to Joe Kennedy, but I disagree with most of his philosophy and he wasn't in the running).
So then I thought: I voted for President Obama in 2008. I have not given up on him. I am hoping he gets until at least the end of the year to try and implement his agenda. Then we'll see what happens.
And that's when things got REALLY conflicted...
...Because I don't support national health care reform.
I love that we have such a law in Massachusetts. I think it's working. I think if the people in Alabama or New Mexico or Texas want health care reform, they can pass their own law. I think Massachusetts could be negatively impacted by the national effort. I don't buy into all the ridiculous hype, but I do think it should be a state issue.
By all accounts, I should have voted for Scott Brown. But I voted for Martha Coakley.
It was not a vote for her, but a vote for the President I still haven't given up on. It wasn't a vote for health care reform (and Reid-Pelosi made that decision easy anyway by announcing they would pass a bill regardless), but a vote for what I hope are Obama's plans to get our economy going again and win the war in Afghanistan. I vote for changed 14 months ago, and I'm not ready to do it again just yet.
Unfortunately for Martha Coakley? I have voted for exactly 3 winners in 11 years.
The final countdown.
Just finally got to vote. I live in an urban area that normally has a very light voter turnout. At 7:30 tonight, I was the 520th vote, with another dozen or so people on their way in. In 2008, when Obama dominated my precinct...there were 397 votes total according to the poll workers. If I did my math correctly, that's about a 24% increase over November 2008!
I have no idea what that means. Could the Democratic machine possibly be working harder for Coakley than it worked for Obama? Doubtful, but MA was a lock for Obama in 2008. Plus, I know a lot of people in my building were Scott Brown supporters. No idea if the number means anything other than HUGE voter turnout today.
Some other news tonight:
--The Coakley campaign held a press conference about two hours ago during which they alleged voter fraud by the Scott Brown campaign.
The Brown campaign's counsel Dan Winslow responded: "Reports that the Coakley campaign is making reckless accusations regarding the integrity of today’s election is a reminder that they are a desperate campaign. In fact, news reports point out that today’s accusation was a pre-dated, in the bag political attack. The reality is that Massachusetts voters will determine the outcome of this election despite political attacks leveled by Martha Coakley and national Democrats."
--The Coakley campaign is firing back at Democrats in DC, blaming them for her loss (an interesting tactic considering she hasn't lost yet. Apparently her campaign thinks the writing is on the wall).
Due to my late voting, it's going to take me some time to write my "who I voted for piece." Check back later on for my honest, soul-searching, post campaign admission.
I have no idea what that means. Could the Democratic machine possibly be working harder for Coakley than it worked for Obama? Doubtful, but MA was a lock for Obama in 2008. Plus, I know a lot of people in my building were Scott Brown supporters. No idea if the number means anything other than HUGE voter turnout today.
Some other news tonight:
--The Coakley campaign held a press conference about two hours ago during which they alleged voter fraud by the Scott Brown campaign.
The Brown campaign's counsel Dan Winslow responded: "Reports that the Coakley campaign is making reckless accusations regarding the integrity of today’s election is a reminder that they are a desperate campaign. In fact, news reports point out that today’s accusation was a pre-dated, in the bag political attack. The reality is that Massachusetts voters will determine the outcome of this election despite political attacks leveled by Martha Coakley and national Democrats."
--The Coakley campaign is firing back at Democrats in DC, blaming them for her loss (an interesting tactic considering she hasn't lost yet. Apparently her campaign thinks the writing is on the wall).
Due to my late voting, it's going to take me some time to write my "who I voted for piece." Check back later on for my honest, soul-searching, post campaign admission.
For your election day enjoyment.
Jon Stewart's hilarious take on the Senate race.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Mass Backwards | ||||
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Coakley predicts victory.
The Associated Press is reporting that Martha Coakley has predicted victory in today's election.
It's snowing in Boston.
Considering how much this race will hinge on turnout, I thought it was worth noting that it's snowing in Boston right now.
Scott Brown announces voter assistance line.
The Brown for U.S. Senate campaign today announced a hotline to assist Massachusetts citizens with tomorrow's voting process.
The voter assistance hotline can be reached at 1-877-505-2010.
The phone line will be staffed on Election Day for any voter who observes or experiences irregularity at the polls, including voter intimidation, errors and fraud.
The hotline is also located on the Brown campaign website, http://www.brownforussenate.com/, and includes a form with more detailed information.
Additionally, any Massachusetts citizen eligible to vote who needs transportation to their respective polling place should call 781-444-0200.
The voter assistance hotline can be reached at 1-877-505-2010.
The phone line will be staffed on Election Day for any voter who observes or experiences irregularity at the polls, including voter intimidation, errors and fraud.
The hotline is also located on the Brown campaign website, http://www.brownforussenate.com/, and includes a form with more detailed information.
Additionally, any Massachusetts citizen eligible to vote who needs transportation to their respective polling place should call 781-444-0200.
What are you hearing/seeing at the polls?
I won't be voting until shortly before the polls close tonight, so I am relying on readers to post their reports from the polling locations.
What are you seeing?
What are you hearing?
What are you seeing?
What are you hearing?
The final morning roundup.
I can't believe it's finally here. Election Day in Massachusetts. And not only is it here, but it begins with an aura of immense importance that nobody could have predicted just a few weeks ago. The fate of national legislation unquestionably hangs on the results of today's vote. At no point in my adult life has an election in Massachusetts risen to this level of national prominence and come down to the absolute final hour with such unpredictable results.
The general consensus appears to be the exact opposite of what it was a week ago. Everything I'm reading points to a Scott Brown victory. But never for a second forget that this is a Democratic state. There is still potential for the Democratic base to turn out en masse and cast their votes for Coakley.
(As an aside - I'm not sure how, but I somehow got left off the Coakley AND Brown phone lists. So while all my friends have been complaining about endless calls from both candidates, the only calls I received were from Barack Obama, Organizing for America, and Bill Clinton. I thought Bill and I had a nice chat, even if he wouldn't answer my questions.)
Let's get to the morning round up:
--The Herald's Hillary Chabot and Jessica Van Sack and the Globe's Stephanie Ebbert, Donovan Slack and Jeannie Nuss offer final reports from the campaign trail.
--Brian Mooney reports on the GOTV efforts of both the Coakley and Brown campaigns in the Globe. Chabot and Van Sack do the same in the Herald.
--In this Herald story from Chabot and Ed Mason, Scott Brown says he will work the phones until the polls close, which apparently is part of his election day tradition.
--Kevin Cullen opines that, "If Martha Coakley loses today, it won’t be because she didn’t put up enough signs on Blue Hill Ave. It’ll be because she failed to convince enough of the people who put up the Obama signs on Blue Hill Ave. and a lot of other avenues across Massachusetts that Obama’s ability to get anything done depends on her winning the election."
--Conservative groups continue to spread the ridiculous rumor that somehow the election will be rigged and dead people will vote. One guy in this story says that's the only way Brown can lose. It's not actually.
--Joan Vennochi writes that Scott Brown, "should also be accountable for the unpleasant rhetoric that some of his supporters are embracing in the last hours of this hard-fought campaign." In this report by Dave Wedge, Coakley says, “I am surprised by some of the supporters of my opponent. It’s pretty unnecessary."
Now, I have no idea whether or not this was a Brown supporter, but at South Station around 7 a.m. this morning I personally watched as a man walked up behind a Coakley volunteer passing out leaflets, grabbed the leaflets out of his hand, and threw them to the wet ground. Classy.
--The Fix has a great breakdown of the uncertainties in today's voting.
--Politico reports on the blame game in Washington, and five things to watch in today's election.
That's all I have time for at the moment, but if you think I missed a good link add it to the comments (just the link - please don't past an entire story).
The general consensus appears to be the exact opposite of what it was a week ago. Everything I'm reading points to a Scott Brown victory. But never for a second forget that this is a Democratic state. There is still potential for the Democratic base to turn out en masse and cast their votes for Coakley.
(As an aside - I'm not sure how, but I somehow got left off the Coakley AND Brown phone lists. So while all my friends have been complaining about endless calls from both candidates, the only calls I received were from Barack Obama, Organizing for America, and Bill Clinton. I thought Bill and I had a nice chat, even if he wouldn't answer my questions.)
Let's get to the morning round up:
--The Herald's Hillary Chabot and Jessica Van Sack and the Globe's Stephanie Ebbert, Donovan Slack and Jeannie Nuss offer final reports from the campaign trail.
--Brian Mooney reports on the GOTV efforts of both the Coakley and Brown campaigns in the Globe. Chabot and Van Sack do the same in the Herald.
--In this Herald story from Chabot and Ed Mason, Scott Brown says he will work the phones until the polls close, which apparently is part of his election day tradition.
--Kevin Cullen opines that, "If Martha Coakley loses today, it won’t be because she didn’t put up enough signs on Blue Hill Ave. It’ll be because she failed to convince enough of the people who put up the Obama signs on Blue Hill Ave. and a lot of other avenues across Massachusetts that Obama’s ability to get anything done depends on her winning the election."
--Conservative groups continue to spread the ridiculous rumor that somehow the election will be rigged and dead people will vote. One guy in this story says that's the only way Brown can lose. It's not actually.
--Joan Vennochi writes that Scott Brown, "should also be accountable for the unpleasant rhetoric that some of his supporters are embracing in the last hours of this hard-fought campaign." In this report by Dave Wedge, Coakley says, “I am surprised by some of the supporters of my opponent. It’s pretty unnecessary."
Now, I have no idea whether or not this was a Brown supporter, but at South Station around 7 a.m. this morning I personally watched as a man walked up behind a Coakley volunteer passing out leaflets, grabbed the leaflets out of his hand, and threw them to the wet ground. Classy.
--The Fix has a great breakdown of the uncertainties in today's voting.
--Politico reports on the blame game in Washington, and five things to watch in today's election.
That's all I have time for at the moment, but if you think I missed a good link add it to the comments (just the link - please don't past an entire story).
Candidates' election day plans.
This is it. The polls open in Massachusetts in less than 30 minutes.
When the starter's pistol fires, Martha Coakley will cast her ballot at the Brooks Elementary School in Medford. She will then embark on a final swing through the state, stopping at Boston's North Station to greet commuters (7:45), Angelo's Orchid in New Bedford (9:30), Al Mac's Diner in Fall River (10:15), O'Brien's Corner in Springfield (12:30), Temple Emmanuel in Worcester (1:45), and then the Boston Public Library (3:00). Coakley will hold her election night party at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
Scott Brown will cast his ballot at the Delaney School in Wrentham at 9:30 a.m. The only other Brown election day plans I have been apprised of is the election night party at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston.
I have no info from Joe Kennedy on his election day plans. His party will be held at the Halfway Cafe in Dedham.
When the starter's pistol fires, Martha Coakley will cast her ballot at the Brooks Elementary School in Medford. She will then embark on a final swing through the state, stopping at Boston's North Station to greet commuters (7:45), Angelo's Orchid in New Bedford (9:30), Al Mac's Diner in Fall River (10:15), O'Brien's Corner in Springfield (12:30), Temple Emmanuel in Worcester (1:45), and then the Boston Public Library (3:00). Coakley will hold her election night party at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
Scott Brown will cast his ballot at the Delaney School in Wrentham at 9:30 a.m. The only other Brown election day plans I have been apprised of is the election night party at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston.
I have no info from Joe Kennedy on his election day plans. His party will be held at the Halfway Cafe in Dedham.
