2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts

none March 2026 October 2013 2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts Massachusetts presidential no 2006 United States Senate election in Massachusetts 2006 2012 United States Senate election in Massachusetts 2012 2010 1 19 150x150px File:Scott_P._Brown.jpg Scott Brown Republican Party (United States) 1,168,178 51.86% File:Martha Coakley crop.jpg Martha Coakley Democratic Party (United States) 1,060,861 47.10% 300px County results 300px Municipality results 300px Congressional district results 300px Precinct results 1 250px Brown: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% Coakley: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90% Tie: #D2B1D9 40–50% U.S. Senator Paul KirkIn September 2009, Kirk was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. Democratic Party (United States) Scott Brown Republican Party (United States) The 2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts was a special election held on January 19, 2010 to fill the Massachusetts Class I United States Senate seat for the remainder of the term ending January 3, 2013. The election was won by Republican candidate Scott Brown. The vacancy that prompted the special election was created by the death of Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy on August 25, 2009. Kennedy had served as a U.S. senator since 1962, having been elected in a special election to fill the vacancy created when his brother John F. Kennedy was elected president of the United States in 1960. Following Kennedy's death, Paul Kirk, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was appointed to fill the vacated Senate seat. The primary election was held on December 8, 2009. The Democratic Party nominated Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, while the Republican Party nominated State Senator Scott Brown. The race drew national attention because Brown unexpectedly caught up with Coakley in independent and internal polling during the last few days of the campaign. Coakley took several actions during the campaign that were widely believed to have cost her significant support. For example, less than a month before the election, she took six days off from campaigning; Brown called this break a "vacation". Also, when criticized for leaving the state for a Washington fundraiser instead of campaigning, Coakley responded by asking, "'As opposed to standing outside Fenway Park? In the cold? Shaking hands?'" On January 19, 2010, Brown defeated Coakley, 51.83% to 47.07%, in a major upset. Brown's election broke the Democrats' filibuster-proof Senate majority. Background Timeline Massachusetts law requires a special election to be held on a Tuesday, no fewer than 145 days, nor more than 160 days from the date of office vacancy, on a date determined by the governor. That range placed the election date between January 17 and February 1, 2010.http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/54-140.htm Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 54, Section 140 Senators and representatives in congress; vacancies Mass.gov January 20, 2010http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003194284 Governor Must Soon Set Special Election August 26, 2009 August 26, 2009 Congressional Quarterly Bob Benenson Jessica Benton Cooney dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090830035417/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003194284 August 30, 2009 Massachusetts law specifies that a party primary shall be held the sixth Tuesday before the general election.http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/53-28.htm Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 53, Section 28 Dates and places for holding primaries Mass.gov January 20, 2010 January 7, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100107110756/http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/53-28.htm dead On August 28, 2009, Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin presented the dates January 19 and 26, 2010, after meetings with State House Speaker Robert DeLeo, State Senate President Therese Murray, and aides to Governor Deval Patrick. Patrick was legally required to select one of these two dates. A January 19 election would require the primary to be held on December 8, while a January 26 election would have required a December 15 primary. Republican State Representative Karyn Polito suggested on August 28, 2009, that, because the possible election dates overlap the holiday season, the law ought to be rewritten to allow the special election to be held on November 3, 2009, to coincide with other elections in the state. Patrick stated on August 29, 2009 that he wanted to honor a request by Kennedy that any appointee to the seat not run, and that he would address the issue of the election date "after we have finished this period of respectful grief."http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/NEWS/908290335 Mass. governor seeks demand on Kennedy succession August 29, 2009 January 20, 2010 South Coast Today Glen Johnson June 6, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110606163205/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/NEWS/908290335 dead On August 31, 2009, Patrick scheduled the special election for January 19, 2010, with the primary elections on December 8, 2009. For party primary candidates, completed nomination papers with certified signatures were required to be filed by the close of business, November 3, 2009. Non-party candidates had a December 8, 2009, filing deadline.https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/senatorincongressma.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20090902162435/http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/senatorincongressma.htm dead September 2, 2009 Special State Election, Senator in Congress for Massachusetts: Calendar Elections Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts September 7, 2009 http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/Special_Election.PDF Elections Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Boston Globe September 7, 2009 Special State Election, Senator in Congress for Massachusetts (to fill vacancy caused by the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy)http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/kennedys-seat-mass-governor-sets-date-for-special-election August 31, 2009 Kennedy's Seat: Mass. Governor Sets Date for Special Election Zezima Katie September 7, 2009 The New York Times Appointment Replacement for Senator Ted Kennedy named Seven days before his death, Senator Ted Kennedy communicated his desire to amend state law so that upon a U.S. Senate vacancy, the governor could appoint a senator to serve until the ensuing special election. Kennedy also asked that Governor Deval Patrick obtain the personal pledge of whoever he appointed to replace Kennedy that said appointee would not become a candidate in the ensuing special election.Edward M. Kennedy July 2, 2009 http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_PDF/2009/08/20/kennedy_letter__1250757221_6262-2.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20110515094353/http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_PDF/2009/08/20/kennedy_letter__1250757221_6262-2.pdf dead May 15, 2011 Letter to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, President of the Senate Therese Murray, and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo via The Boston Globe The letter was delivered to recipients August 18, 2009, and published August 20, 2009.http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/kennedy_headlin.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090823180035/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/kennedy_headlin.html dead August 23, 2009 Kennedy looks to set stage for successor Phillips Frank The Boston Globe August 19, 2009 A bill filed by State Rep. Robert Koczera of New Bedford in January 2009 proposed to permit the governor to appoint a senator; to enjoin the governor from appointing a candidate in a subsequent special election; and to permit the appointment date to occur only after the filing deadline for the special election had passed.http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090821/NEWS/908210332/-1/ARCHIVE Koczera bill would allow governor to appoint temporary replacement for Sen. Kennedy South Coast Today August 21, 2009 Urbon Steve September 6, 2009 August 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090830044708/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090821/NEWS/908210332/-1/ARCHIVE dead Governor Patrick said he would push the General Court to pass the bill, and that he would sign it into law.http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/26/patrick-supports-changing-state-law-to-allow-for-interim-kennedy-successor Patrick supports changing law to allow for interim senator August 26, 2009 August 26, 2009 CNN August 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090830090636/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/26/patrick-supports-changing-state-law-to-allow-for-interim-kennedy-successor/ dead The General Court held its first hearing on the legislation on September 9.Samuelson Tracey D. September 9, 2009 https://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/09/09/democrats-urge-interim-kennedy-replacement Democrats urge interim Kennedy replacement The Christian Science Monitor September 11, 2009 On September 17, 2009, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 95-58 to give the governor the power to appoint an interim senator.http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/mass_house_pond.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090922210248/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/mass_house_pond.html dead September 22, 2009 Mass. House approves bill that would fill Kennedy seat September 17, 2009 September 19, 2009 The Boston Globe Matt Viser The Massachusetts Senate approved the measure on September 22, 2009, by a vote of 24 to 16,http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/22/massachusetts-senate-clears-way-for-kennedy-replacement Massachusetts Senate clears way for Kennedy replacement September 22, 2009 September 22, 2009 CNN September 25, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090925214820/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/22/massachusetts-senate-clears-way-for-kennedy-replacement/ dead and both houses of the General Court gave final approval to the bill on September 23.http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/victoria_kenned_2.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090926031706/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/victoria_kenned_2.html dead September 26, 2009 Legislature gives final approval to bill to fill Kennedy seat September 23, 2009 September 23, 2009 The Boston Globe Matt Viser On September 24, 2009, Patrick appointed Paul G. Kirk, former Democratic National Committee chairman and aide to Ted Kennedy, to serve until the elected successor took office.http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/kerry-pledges-support-for-mass.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120905141906/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/kerry-pledges-support-for-mass.html dead September 5, 2012 Kerry Pledges Support For Mass.-Senate Appointee September 9, 2009 September 10, 2009 The Washington Post Chris CillizzaViser Matt Phillips, Frank Kirk named to fill Kennedy seat The Boston Globe September 24, 2009 http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/kirk_to_be_name.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090927045041/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/kirk_to_be_name.html dead September 27, 2009 September 24, 2009 Kennedy's two sons, Patrick J. Kennedy and Edward Kennedy, Jr.,http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/23/senate_oks_kennedy_successor_bill https://web.archive.org/web/20090926031757/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/23/senate_oks_kennedy_successor_bill/ dead September 26, 2009 Senate OK's Kennedy successor bill September 23, 2009 September 24, 2009 The Boston Globe Matt Viser and his wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy,http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/victoria_kenned_2.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090926031706/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/victoria_kenned_2.html dead September 26, 2009 All eyes turn to Patrick as he mulls appointee for Kennedy seat September 23, 2009 September 24, 2009 The Boston Globe Matt Viser had all expressed their preference for Kirk. Kirk was sworn into office on Friday, September 25, 2009.Johnson Glen September 24, 2009 Former DNC head Kirk tapped to replace Kennedy The Atlanta Journal-Constitution http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/former-dnc-head-kirk-145610.html September 24, 2009 He pledged not to be a candidate in the special election. Democratic primary Brown, Coakley win Massachusetts Senate seat primaries amid low voter turnout The primary election was held on December 8, 2009.http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/28/galvin_presents_two_dates_for_election_to_fill_senate_seat https://web.archive.org/web/20090830022356/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/28/galvin_presents_two_dates_for_election_to_fill_senate_seat/ dead August 30, 2009 Galvin presents two dates for vote: Kerry Healey explores possible campaign August 28, 2009 August 28, 2009 The Boston Globe Frank Phillips Matt Viserhttp://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/patrick_to_make.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090903023600/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/patrick_to_make.html dead September 3, 2009 Governor sets date for special Senate election, presses for interim appointment The Boston Globe Frank Phillips Matt Viser Andrew Ryan August 31, 2009 Candidates Mike Capuano, U.S. Representative from Somerville (announced September 18, 2009)http://www.necn.com/Boston/NECN-Extra/2009/09/18/NECN-Extra-Rep-Capuano/1253304446.html NECN Extra: Rep. Capuano announces candidacy for U.S. Senate September 18, 2009 September 20, 2009 New England Cable News Martha Coakley, Massachusetts Attorney General (announced September 3, 2009)http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/ag_coakely_to_o.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090904194332/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/ag_coakely_to_o.html dead September 4, 2009 AG Coakley officially announces run for Senate September 3, 2009 September 3, 2009 The Boston Globe Matt Viser Andrew Ryan Alan Khazei, co-founder and former CEO of City Year (announced September 24, 2009)http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/25/khazei_enters_race_for_kennedy_senate_seat https://web.archive.org/web/20090928052301/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/25/khazei_enters_race_for_kennedy_senate_seat/ dead September 28, 2009 Khazei enters race for Kennedy Senate seat September 25, 2009 September 25, 2009 The Boston Globe Eric Moskowitz Stephen Pagliuca, managing director of Bain Capital and managing partner of the Boston Celtics (announced September 17, 2009)http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/celtics_coowner.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090922210006/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/celtics_coowner.html dead September 22, 2009 Celtics co-owner Pagliuca plots Senate run Frank Phillips The Boston Globe September 14, 2009https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125297052730410231?mod=djkeyword Stephen Pagliuca May Run for Kennedy's Senate Seat Peter Lattman The Wall Street Journal September 14, 2009 Polling Source Date(s) administered Mike Capuano Martha Coakley Alan Khazei Stephen Pagliuca Other Rasmussen Reports (report)Sample size: 611, margin of error: ±4% September 8, 2009 7% 38% — — 24% Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20100103080806/http://www.suffolk.edu/37947.html January 3, 2010 )Sample size: 500, margin of error: ±4.4% September 16, 2009 9% 47% 3% — 6% Lake Research (report)Sample size: 800, margin of error: ±3.5% September 21–24, 2009 12% 47% 1% 4% — Research 2000 (report)Sample size: 400, margin of error: ±5% October 28–29, 2009 16% 42% 5% 15% — Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20091115133924/http://www.suffolk.edu/39180.html November 15, 2009 )Sample size: 600, margin of error: ±4% November 4–8, 2009 16% 44% 3% 17% — The Boston Globe (report)(graphic)Sample size: 537, margin of error: ±4.4% November 13–18, 2009 22% 43% 6% 15% — Rasmussen Reports (report)Sample size: 567, margin of error: ±4% November 23, 2009 21% 36% 14% 14% 5% Results 250px|thumb|Results by Municipality: #584CDE Coakley #BDD3FF 30–40% #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996E2 50–60% #6674DE 60–70% #584CDE 70–80% #3933E5 80–90% #0D0596 90–100% #37C837 Capuano #AAE5AA 30–40% #87DE87 40–50% #5FD35F 50–60% #37C837 60–70% #DEB02A Khazei #F1C92A 50–60% #AE8BB1 Tie Results by Municipality 250px|thumb|Results by precinct: #584CDE Coakley #BDD3FF 30–40% #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996E2 50–60% #6674DE 60–70% #584CDE 70–80% #3933E5 80–90% #0D0596 90–100% #37C837 Capuano #AAE5AA 30–40% #87DE87 40–50% #5FD35F 50–60% #37C837 60–70% #2CA02C 70–80% #217821 80–90% #165016 90–100% #DEB02A Khazei #FFEEAA 30–40% #FFDD55 40–50% #F1C92A 50–60% #AE8BB1 Tie #808080 No data/No votes Results by Precinct Democratic primary resultshttp://www.thebostonchannel.com/politics/feature.html thebostonchannel.com WCVB-TV Local Election Results 2009 Martha Coakley Democratic Party (United States) 310,227 46.71% Mike Capuano Democratic Party (United States) 184,791 27.82% Alan Khazei Democratic Party (United States) 88,929 13.39% Stephen Pagliuca Democratic Party (United States) 80,248 12.08% 664,195 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Scott Brown, State Senator from Wrentham Jack E. Robinson III, perennial candidatehttp://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/scott_brown_to.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090915180026/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/scott_brown_to.html dead September 15, 2009 Republican Scott Brown announces run for Kennedy's Senate seat September 12, 2009 September 13, 2009 The Boston Globe Peter Schworm Campaign Brown announced his candidacy on September 12, 2009.http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/scott_brown_to.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090915180026/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/scott_brown_to.html dead September 15, 2009 Republican Scott Brown announces run for Kennedy's Senate seat September 12, 2009 January 16, 2010 The Boston Globe Peter Schworm He previously announced, on September 6, 2009, that he was exploring becoming a candidate under the "testing the waters" provisions of federal election law, and intended to announce his decision on whether he would become a candidate on September 9 or 10, 2009.http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/legislature_pon.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090828101518/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/legislature_pon.html dead August 28, 2009 With open Senate seat, a long list of hopefuls August 26, 2009 August 26, 2009 The Boston Globe Frank Phillipshttp://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/canton_selectma.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090910004541/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/canton_selectma.html dead September 10, 2009 The Boston Globe September 7, 2009 September 7, 2009 Canton selectman joins race for Senate Peter Schwormhttps://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/07/us/AP-US-Kennedy-Successor.html Former Rep. Joseph Kennedy Won't Run for Senate Associated Press The New York Times September 7, 2009 September 7, 2009March 2016 On September 9, Brown said that he would not run if George W. Bush's White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card entered the race.http://www.wgnradio.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-kennedy-successor-card,0,7531438.story Ex-Bush Chief of Staff Andrew Card says he is considering running for Kennedy's Senate seat September 9, 2009 September 11, 2009 WGN Steve LeBlancMarch 2016http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/10/card_leans_toward_run_for_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20090914101509/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/10/card_leans_toward_run_for_senate/ dead September 14, 2009 Card leans toward run for Senate September 10, 2009 The Boston Globe Jim O'Sullivan On September 11, Card declined to run and offered his support to Brown.https://www.politico.com/story/2009/09/exclusive-andy-card-wont-run-for-kennedys-senate-seat-027059 Exclusive: Andy Card won't run for Kennedy's Senate seat September 11, 2009 September 12, 2009 Politico Jonathan Martin Polling Source Dates administered Scott Brown Jack E. Robinson III Undecided Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20091115133924/http://www.suffolk.edu/39180.html November 15, 2009 ) November 4–8, 2009 45% 7% 47% Results Republican primary resultshttps://archive.boston.com/news/special/politics/2009/senate_primary/gop_primary_results.html Town-by-town results The Boston Globe December 9, 2009https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivEDvT9bYPFIxmY4gvlBgeXDHUmwD9CFFQDG0 Sen. Brown wins Mass. Senate Republican primary December 8, 2009 Associated PressJune 2024 medicmedic Scott Brown Republican Party (United States) 145,465 89.40% Jack Robinson Republican Party (United States) 17,241 10.60% 162,706 100.00% Other candidates Independent or third party candidates had until December 8, 2009 to submit nomination papers for signature certification. Joseph L. Kennedy, a member of the Libertarian Party, ran as an independent.https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/senatorincongressmaelecan.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20100107113030/http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/senatorincongressmaelecan.htm dead January 7, 2010 Elections: Special State Election Candidates – Senator in Congress Sec.state.ma.us January 20, 2010 He has no relation to the politically prominent Kennedy family.http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/20090928new_hopeful_for_ted_kennedys_seat_has_right_name_for_job New hopeful for Ted Kennedy's seat has right name for job September 28, 2009 September 29, 2009 Boston Herald Laurel J. Sweet https://web.archive.org/web/20091002203651/http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/20090928new_hopeful_for_ted_kennedys_seat_has_right_name_for_job October 2, 2009 dead mdy-all General election Initially, Coakley was heavily favored to prevail in the general election.https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2010/01/20/gop-senate-victory-stuns-democrats/27937154007/ G.O.P. Senate Victory Stuns Democrats Michael Cooper The Tuscaloosa News January 20, 2010 Brown considered himself a fiscal conservative and Washington, D.C. outsider. He said "I have always thought that being in government service is a privilege, not a right. This Senate seat doesn't belong to any one person or political party. It belongs to you, the people, and the people deserve a U.S. senator who will always put your interests first." Brown had called for fiscal restraint and smaller government, claiming that he had never voted for a tax increase. Brown also pledged to be the 41st vote against President Barack Obama's health care reform bill in the Senate.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/15/AR2010011504069.html Democrats scramble in Massachusetts to retain Ted Kennedy's old Senate seat January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 The Washington Post Karl Vick Chris Cillizza Chris Cillizza Assistant Professor Boris Schor of the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy Studies described Brown as a liberal Republican by national standards, but well suited for his Massachusetts constituency.http://bshor.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/scott-brown-is-a-more-liberal-republican-than-dede-scozzafava Scott Brown is a more liberal Republican than Dede Scozzafava Boris Schor January 15, 2010 January 16, 2010http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/scott-brown-is-liberal-republican.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100118010616/http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/scott-brown-is-liberal-republican.html dead January 18, 2010 Scott Brown is a Liberal Republican January 15, 2010 January 16, 2010 FiveThirtyEight.com Andrew Gelman Andrew Gelmanhttp://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/01/more-liberal-than-scozzafava.html More Liberal Than Scozzafava January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 The Atlantic Andrew Sullivan Andrew Sullivan Brown drew attention for having appeared nudehttp://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/15/gop-senator-s-racy-pics-don-t-matter-because-he-s-a-dude.aspx GOP Senate Candidate's Racy Pics Don't Matter─Because He's a Dude September 15, 2009 January 17, 2010 Newsweek Katie Connolly https://web.archive.org/web/20100110004003/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/15/gop-senator-s-racy-pics-don-t-matter-because-he-s-a-dude.aspx January 10, 2010 dead mdy-allhttp://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1197778 https://web.archive.org/web/20090923232933/http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1197778 dead September 23, 2009 Investigating Scott Brown's body of work September 16, 2009 January 17, 2010 Boston Herald Gayle Fee Laura Raposa http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo Senator Is the Centerfold Ashley Womble Cosmopolitan September 22, 2009 January 13, 2010 and semi-nudehttp://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/republican_scott_brown_seeking.html Republican Scott Brown, seeking to fill the seat held by Ted Kennedy, favors more troops in Afghanistan, opposes health insurance overhaul masslive.com masslive.com November 30, 2009 January 13, 2010 Ring Dan with his hands covering his genitals in a centerfold in Cosmopolitan in 1982. During a State Senate debate in 2001, Brown had referred to the decision of his lesbian Democratic opponent, Cheryl Jacques, to have children as "not normal". He also described her parenting role as "alleged family responsibilities." Several Massachusetts LGBT activists condemned the statement. Brown apologized for his "poor choice of words", and he defended his position on that issue as being anti-gay-marriage and pro-civil-unions.Mooney, Brian C: (November 20, 2009) "Being the underdog never deters a driven Brown" The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 31, 2009. Brown filed an ethics complaint stating that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509 used state computers and e-mail addresses to direct employees of the state to volunteer for Coakley's campaign."Scott Brown files ethics complaint in Senate race" MyFoxBoston. Retrieved January 16, 2010. Controversy erupted over a conscientious objector amendment Brown sponsored in 2005, which, according to The Boston Globe, "would have allowed a doctor, nurse or hospital to deny rape victims an emergency contraceptive if it 'conflicts with a sincerely held religious belief.'" In the candidates' January 5 debate, Brown stated that he continues to support religious hospitals in refusing to provide emergency contraception, causing the woman to go to another hospital. He said, "That's really up to the hospital. There are many, many hospitals that can deal with that situation."96.9 Boston Talks podcast of the January 5, 2010 debate https://web.archive.org/web/20110707071222/http://media.969bostontalks.com/Podcasts/1466/010510senatedebatepart1.mp3 July 7, 2011In debate, Senate candidates seek to define differences The Boston Globe, January 6, 2010 Coakley ran a television advertisement attacking Brown over that saying, "Brown even favors letting hospitals deny emergency contraception to rape victims." Brown's daughter Ayla called the Coakley advertisement "completely inaccurate and misleading", and Brown criticized Coakley for running what he described as "attack ads".Viser Matt Brown's daughters call for Coakley to take down ad The Boston Globe January 12, 2010 http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_campaig_1.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100115081920/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_campaig_1.html dead January 15, 2010 January 14, 2010 Coakley took several actions during the campaign that were widely believed to have cost her significant support. For example, less than a month before the election, she took six days off from campaigning; Brown called this break a "vacation". The Boston Herald commented, "Laying low in the final weeks of a truncated election is unusual – and a luxury that only a very confident candidate could afford."https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/12/31/riled-scott-brown-martha-coakley-on-vacation/ Riled Scott Brown: Martha Coakley 'on vacation' Boston Herald Van Sack Jessica December 31, 2009 Also, when criticized for leaving the state for a Washington fundraiser instead of campaigning, Coakley responded by asking, "'As opposed to standing outside Fenway Park? In the cold? Shaking hands?'"http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/13/campaigns_brevity_shapes_coakley_image_on_trail/ Campaign's brevity shapes Coakley image on trail Boston Globe January 13, 2010 March 15, 2010 David Filipov Two of Coakley's advertisements had to be re-edited after they first aired. One advertisement misspelled the word "Massachusetts' (spelling it y Massa chusettes), while another used old stock footage of New York's World Trade Center--which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attacks--to represent Wall Street. The second ad was meant to depict Brown as a Wall Street crony.http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Coakley_s-gaffes-have-hobbled-her-campaign-81886762.html Coakley's gaffes have hobbled her campaign The Washington Examiner January 20, 2010May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes In a radio interview on January 16, 2010, Coakley described former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling as a "Yankee fan," which drew criticism.http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/coakley-on-schilling-a-yankee-fan Coakley on Schilling: A Yankee Fan? January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 The New York Times Michael Cooperhttp://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MzNiZDdiMzNkODQwNmE1ZDliNDc5YTllYWNjODJmNDQ https://archive.today/20120729045522/http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MzNiZDdiMzNkODQwNmE1ZDliNDc5YTllYWNjODJmNDQ dead July 29, 2012 Martha Coakley On Curt Schilling: "Another Yankee Fan!" January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 National Reviewhttp://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?&articleid=1226064 Coakley bungles Red Sox remark January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 Renee Nadeau Algarin Boston Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20110613033403/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?&articleid=1226064 June 13, 2011 dead mdy-all Schilling, who considered running for the Senate seat himself and later endorsed Scott Brown,http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100114curt_schilling_lashes_out_at_martha_coakley Curt Schilling lashes out at Martha Coakley January 14, 2010 January 16, 2010 Boston Herald Hillary Chabot https://web.archive.org/web/20100117004642/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100114curt_schilling_lashes_out_at_martha_coakley January 17, 2010 dead mdy-all responded by saying "I've been called a lot of things ... but never, I mean never, could anyone make the mistake of calling me a Yankee fan. Well, check that, if you didn't know what the hell is going on in your own state maybe you could ..."http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/01/quote--1.html Quote For The Day January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 The Atlantic Andrew Sullivan Andrew Sullivan January 19, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100119080835/http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/01/quote--1.html dead http://38pitches.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/curt-schilling/general/2010/01/16/ive-been-called-a-lot-of-things I've been called a LOT of things . . . January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 38 Pitches Curt Schilling Curt Schilling Coakley later described the comment as a joke.http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/01/coakley_says_sc.php Coakley Says Schilling Comment A "Joke" January 22, 2010 January 22, 2010 The Hotline Reid Wilson https://web.archive.org/web/20111006094429/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/01/coakley_says_sc.php October 6, 2011 dead mdy-all Coakley's role in the case of Keith Winfield attracted criticism. In October 2005, Winfield, then working as a police officer, was accused of raping his 23-month-old niece with a hot object (most likely a curling iron). A Middlesex County grand jury overseen by Coakley investigated the case and did not take any action. After the toddler's mother filed applications for criminal complaints, Coakley obtained grand jury indictments charging Winfield with rape, assault, and battery. About ten months after the indictment, she recommended that Winfield be released without bail. Winfield remained free until December 2007. Coakley defended her decisions, saying that Winfield had a clean record and that there were few other signs of danger.January 18, 2010 http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/06/some_saw_coakley_as_lax_on_05_rape_case/ The Boston Globe Some saw Coakley as lax on '05 rape case January 6, 2010 Michael Rezendes Brown accused Coakley of behaving like she was entitled to the Senate seat merely by dint of being the candidate of the Democratic Party; famously, he said during one of the candidates debates that the U.S. Senate seat was "not Kennedy's seat, and it's not the Democrats' seat; it's the people's seat".https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/01/-its-the-peoples-seat/33334/ "It's the People's Seat" The Atlantic January 12, 2010 vertical right ObamaforCoakley2010.JPG BrownSupportersAtNortheastern2.JPG 200 People stand in line to see Barack Obama campaign for Martha Coakley at Northeastern University (top). Scott Brown supporters line the opposite side of the street (bottom). CQ Politics and Cook Political Report rated the electionJanuary 2010 as a "Tossup". The Rothenberg Political Report changed its rating from "Tossup" to "Lean Takeover" on January 18.Rothenberg The http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com The Rothenberg Political Report Rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com January 15, 2010 January 20, 2010 Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report stated on January 17, said that he would put his "finger on the scale" for Scott Brown as favored to win. The Rothenberg Political Report released a statement that, "unless Democratic turnout exceeds everyone's expectations, Brown is headed for a comfortable win."https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/01/18/bay-state-battle-new-indicators-show-brown-gaining-ground Bay State Battle: New Indicators Show Brown Gaining Ground The Wall Street Journal January 18, 2010 January 20, 2010 Mary Lu CarnevaleCadei Emily http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000003279420 Rating Change: Massachusetts Senate Race a Tossup CQ Politics January 15, 2010 January 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100118115849/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5 January 18, 2010 dead mdy-all As of January 18, Brown led Coakley in the Intrade prediction market by high double-digit margins.http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/common/c_cd.jsp?conDetailID=693300&z=1264140154270 Winner of Massachusetts Special Election (to replace Ted Kennedy) Republican Party candidate to win Intrade.com September 1, 2009 January 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110929054707/http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/common/c_cd.jsp?conDetailID=693300&z=1264140154270 September 29, 2011 dead mdy-all http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/common/c_cd.jsp?conDetailID=693299&z=1264140263449 Winner of Massachusetts Special Election (to replace Ted Kennedy) Democratic Party candidate to win Intrade.com September 1, 2009 January 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110929054726/http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/common/c_cd.jsp?conDetailID=693299&z=1264140263449 September 29, 2011 dead mdy-all Statistician Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com projected on January 18 that there was a 75% chance that Brown would defeat Coakley.Silver Nate http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/538-model-posits-brown-as-31-favorite.html Politics Done Right: 538 Model Posits Brown as 3:1 Favorite FiveThirtyEight.com January 20, 2010 January 21, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100121140722/http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/538-model-posits-brown-as-31-favorite.html dead Finances 2010 1 8 US, Martha Coakley raised over US$5.2million in total, and had $937,383 cash on hand. Scott Brown had $367,150 cash on hand. Brown spent $450,000 on television advertisements, while Coakley spent $1.4million.http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/08/brown_narrows_money_gap_in_mass_us_senate_race Brown narrows money gap in Mass. US Senate race January 8, 2010 January 9, 2010 The Boston Globe dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100114110550/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/08/brown_narrows_money_gap_in_mass_us_senate_race January 14, 2010 A week before the general election, Brown raised $1.3 million from over 16,000 donors in a 24-hour fund-raising effort. Reports also indicated that Brown raised an average of $1 million per day the week prior to the election.http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100112scott_brown_claims_13_million_in_late_senate_donations Candidates for Kennedy seat make final money pitch January 12, 2010 January 15, 2010 Boston Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20100115063629/http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100112scott_brown_claims_13_million_in_late_senate_donations January 15, 2010 dead mdy-all This outpouring of support from the Internet and other givers offset what had been relatively less support from national Republican committees, who had decided not to target the race publicly.Chabot Hillary http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1221740 https://web.archive.org/web/20110613033916/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1221740 dead June 13, 2011 GOP lets Scott Brown fend for himself Boston Herald December 29, 2009 January 23, 2010Chabot Hillary http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2009/12/gop_lets_scott_brown_fend_himself GOP lets Scott Brown fend for himself Boston Herald December 29, 2009 September 3, 2016 This links to a two-paragraph intro to the article; the further link to the Herald archive does not produce the full article. In the final fundraising push one of Brown's contributions for $5,000 came from David Koch, a wealthy activist and supporter of conservative causes and campaigns. Koch had also given the National Republican Senatorial Committee $30,400 in November 2009 and the Koch Industries PAC gave $15,000 to NRSC right before the January 2010 special election.Johnson, Brad, "Video: Scott Brown begs David Koch for money", Thinking Progress, March 8, 2011. Included: Dead link to Mark Arsenault boston.com/Boston Globe coverage of event and conversation. Retrieved September 3, 2016.James, Frank, "Sen. Scott Brown Asks David Koch For Campaign Cash (Or Dog Bites Man)" (commentary), National Public Radio, March 7, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2016. Coakley admitted to making an "honest mistake" while filing the financial disclosure forms for her Senate run claiming to have no personal assets when in fact she had an account under her husband's name with over $200,000 and a personal Individual Retirement Account containing approximately $12,000.http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091113honest_mistakes_martha_coakley_failed_to_disclose_all_assets 'Honest mistakes': Martha Coakley failed to disclose all assets Jessica Van Sack Boston Herald November 13, 2009 January 16, 2010 Approximately US$23 million was spent on the election.http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/24/late_spending_surge_fueled_senate_race/ Late spending frenzy fueled Senate race The Boston Globe Brian C. Mooney January 24, 2010 January 24, 2010 Campaign finance reports as of February 8, 2010CandidateRaisedSpentCash on handScott Brown (R)$15,228,414$7,581,832$6,034,498Martha Coakley (D)$9,594,298$7,710,624$456,220Source: Federal Election Commission2010 Election United States Senate - Massachusetts https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/senate/MA/2010/ Federal Election Commission Debates All three candidates participated in the debates. The first was held on the Jim & Margery show in Boston on January 5, and broadcast by WTKK. The January 8 debate was held in Springfield, Massachusetts and originating at WGBY-TV's studios, aired by them and its sister WGBH-TV-FM stations in Boston. The final debate was held on January 11 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston and carried live on TV and radio on multiple stations throughout the state, and both television debates aired nationwide live on C-SPAN.http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091224martha_coakley_agrees_only_to_more_3-candidate_debates Martha Coakley agrees only to more 3-candidate debates December 24, 2009 January 9, 2010 Boston Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20110613033350/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091224martha_coakley_agrees_only_to_more_3-candidate_debates June 13, 2011 dead mdy-allhttp://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/12/coakley_brown_play_on_voters_fears_in_final_us_senate_debate/ Coakley, Brown in bitter debate January 12, 2010 January 12, 2010 The Boston Globe Matt Viser Andrea Estes Endorsements Scott Brown U.S. senators John McCain, U.S. Senator from Arizona and Republican nominee for president in 2008http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/04/mccain_endorses_brown_for_senate_seat/ Republican gets McCain's nod; rival adds to her list Carroll Matt January 4, 2010 The Boston Globe January 15, 2010 State executive branch officials Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts and candidate for president in 2008 Bill Weld, former governor of Massachusetts and nominee for U.S. Senate in 19962012-11-05 Brown Campaigns With Weld, Warren With Kerry https://www.wbur.org/news/2012/11/05/brown-warren-campaign-push 2024-06-04 www.wbur.org en Local officials Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City and candidate for president in 2008 Newspapers Boston HeraldHerald: Scott Brown for U.S. Senate http://news.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/editorials/view.bg?articleid=1224899 January 11, 2010 January 11, 2010 Boston Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20100123130634/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/editorials/view.bg?articleid=1224899 January 23, 2010 dead mdy-all Cape Cod Timeshttp://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100116/OPINION/1160337 Scott Brown Cape Cod Times January 16, 2010 January 16, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100118224327/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20100116%2FOPINION%2F1160337 January 18, 2010 dead mdy-all The Eagle-Tribunehttp://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_009181238.html Editorial: Electing Brown sends real change to the Senate The Eagle-Tribune January 10, 2010 January 23, 2010 January 23, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100123034613/http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_009181238.html dead Telegram & Gazettehttp://www.telegram.com/article/20100110/NEWS/1100407/1020/OPINION Brown for Senate: Massachusetts needs balance in Washington Telegram & Gazette January 10, 2010 January 23, 2010 The Sunhttp://www.lowellsun.com/editorials/ci_14171401 Brown for Senate The Sun January 13, 2010 January 23, 2010 The Martha's Vineyard Timeshttp://www.mvtimes.com/marthas-vineyard/news/2010/01/14/editorial.php Editorial: Republican Scott Brown January 14, 2010 January 16, 2010 The Martha's Vineyard Times https://web.archive.org/web/20100117152532/http://www.mvtimes.com/marthas-vineyard/news/2010/01/14/editorial.php January 17, 2010 dead mdy-all The Salem Newshttp://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/local_story_014233831.html Our view: Scott Brown for U.S. Senate The Salem News January 15, 2010 January 20, 2010 January 18, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100118090652/http://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/local_story_014233831.html? dead Individuals Doug Flutie, former Boston College Eagles and New England Patriots quarterback Curt Schilling, former Boston Red Sox pitcherCurt Schilling endorses Scott Brown in Mass. Senate race Andy Barr January 4, 2010 https://www.politico.com/story/2010/01/schilling-endorses-in-senate-race-031140 Politico Organizations Tea Party ExpressAmerican Conservative Daily January 9, 2010 http://www.americanconservativedaily.com/2010/01/tea-party-express-endorses-scott-brown-for-u-s-senate-massachusetts https://web.archive.org/web/20100123001010/http://www.americanconservativedaily.com/2010/01/tea-party-express-endorses-scott-brown-for-u-s-senate-massachusetts/ dead January 23, 2010 Tea Party Express Endorses Scott Brown for US Senate Massachusetts Martha Coakley Federal executive branch officials Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United Stateshttps://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0115/As-Brown-edges-ahead-in-poll-Bill-Clinton-stumps-for-Coakley As Brown edges ahead in poll, Bill Clinton stumps for Coakley January 15, 2010 January 16, 2010 The Christian Science Monitor Barack Obama, 44th President of the United Stateshttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-to-visit-massachusetts-in-final-campaign-push-for-coakley/ Obama to Visit Massachusetts in Final Campaign Push for Coakley January 15, 2010 January 16, 2010 Fox News Newspapers The Boston Globehttp://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/13/globe_endorsement_martha_coakley_for_senate/ Globe endorsement: Martha Coakley for Senate January 13, 2010 January 14, 2010 The Boston Globe The Boston Phoenixhttp://thephoenix.com/Boston/news/95698-coakley-for-senate Coakley for Senate January 13, 2010 January 19, 2010 The Boston Phoenix Watertown Tab & Presshttp://www.wickedlocal.com/watertown/news/opinions/x1560341900/Watertown-TAB-endorsement-Martha-Coakley-for-Senate Watertown TAB endorsement: Martha Coakley for Senate Watertown Tab & Press GateHouse Media January 14, 2010 January 20, 2010 Individuals Vicki Kennedy, widow of Ted Kennedyhttps://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0107/Kennedy-endorsement-comes-at-key-time-for-Martha-Coakley Kennedy endorsement comes at key time for Martha Coakley January 7, 2010 The Christian Science Monitor Samuelson Tracey D. January 14, 2010 Media In regards to the coverage of the election, MSNBC was criticized by one reporter for perceived bias against Brown, while Fox News was accused of favoring Brown. One journalist reported that CNN and Fox News may have delivered more balanced coverage on the election day itself, providing both Republican and Democratic commentators.MSNBC to Massachusetts: Drop dead! The Miami Herald, January 20, 2010 On Fox's Hannity on January 11, political commentator Dick Morris solicited donations for a last-minute Brown advertising buy before the election, and said "please, please help (elect Brown)".Hannity, Fox News Channel. January 11, 2010. Brown himself made multiple appearances on various Fox programs within a 24-hour-period, where he made fundraising solicitations during the course of the interviews.America's Newsroom, Fox News Channel. January 12, 2010.On The Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News Channel. January 11, 2010. Predictions Source Ranking As of Cook Political Reporthttp://cookpolitical.com/senate Senate Cook Political Report October 26, 2010 Tossup January 18, 2010 Rothenberghttp://rothenbergpoliticalreport.com/ratings/senate Senate Ratings Rothenberg Political Report October 26, 2010 Lean R Flip January 18, 2010 RealClearPoliticshttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2010/senate/2010_elections_senate_map.html Battle for the Senate RealClearPolitics October 26, 2010 Tossup January 18, 2010 Sabato's Crystal Ballhttp://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/category/2010-senate 2010 Senate Ratings Sabato's Crystal Ball October 26, 2010 October 28, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101028092918/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/category/2010-senate/ dead Tossup January 18, 2010 CQ Politicshttp://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate Race Ratings Chart: Senate CQ Politics October 26, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 Tossup January 18, 2010 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error ScottBrown (R) MarthaCoakley (D) Joseph L.Kennedy (I) Other Undecided Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20100103080806/http://www.suffolk.edu/37947.html January 3, 2010 ) September 16, 2009 500 ± 4.4% 24% 54% 20% 9% Western New England College (report) October 18–22, 2009 468 ± 4.5% 32% 58% 9% 9% Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20100107014420/http://www.suffolk.edu/images/content/FINAL.SUPRC.Marginals.Nov.8.2009.pdf January 7, 2010 ) November 4–8, 2009 600 ± 4% 27% 58% 15% 9% The Boston Globe (report) January 2–6, 2010 554 ± 4.2% 35% 50% 5% 9% Rasmussen Reports (report) January 4, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 41% 50% 1% 7% Public Policy Polling (report) January 7–9, 2010 744 ± 3.6% 48% 47% 6% Rasmussen Reports (report) January 11, 2010 1000 ± 3% 47% 49% 3% 2% Suffolk University (report https://web.archive.org/web/20100214193816/http://www.suffolk.edu/images/content/FINAL.MA.Statewide.Marginals.Jan.14.2010.pdf February 14, 2010 ) January 11–13, 2010 500 ± 4.4% 50% 46% 3% 1% Research 2000 (report https://web.archive.org/web/20251114204836/https://www.bluemassgroup.com/upload/david/bmgmasenatepoll.pdf November 14, 2025 ) January 12–13, 2010 500 ± 4% 41% 49% 5% 5% American Research Group (report) January 12–14, 2010 600 ± 4% 48% 45% 2% 5% CrossTarget Research January 14, 2010 946 ± 3.19% 54% 39% 8%Merriman River GroupMerriman River Group (report) January 15, 2010 565 ± 4% 51% 41% 2% 6% American Research Group (report) January 15–17, 2010 600 ± 4% 52% 45% 2% 2% Daily Kos/Research 2000 (report)Research 2000 was later sued by Daily Kos for allegedly falsifying data; the suit was settled in 2011 with Research 2000 head Del Ali making payments to Daily Kos ; Research 2000 did not done any polling since the suit. January 15–17, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 48% 48% 3% 1% CrossTarget Research January 16–17, 2010 571 ± 4.09% 52% 42% 6% Public Policy Polling (report) January 16–17, 2010 1231 ± 2.8% 51% 46% 4% Politico (report) January 17, 2010 804 ± 3.4% 52% 43% 2% 3% Results Scott Brown wins special election for Massachusetts's Senate seat in upset victory Polls closed at 8:00pm Eastern Time. At 9:06pm BNO News projected Brown as the winner of the race.https://bnonews.com/index.php/2010/01/republican-brown-wins-massachusetts-u-s-senate-election/ Republican Brown wins Massachusetts U.S. Senate election BNO News January 20, 2010 January 20, 2010 At 9:13 p.m., The Boston Globe reported that Coakley had telephoned Brown and conceded the election. 2010 Massachusetts U.S. Senate special electionhttps://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/search/year_from:2010/year_to:2010/office_id:6 2010 U.S. Senate Statewide Special General Election electionstats.state.ma.us/ April 14, 2026 Republican Party (United States) Scott Brown 1,168,178 51.86% 21.31 Democratic Party (United States) Martha Coakley 1,060,861 47.10% 22.20 Libertarian Party (United States) Joseph L. Kennedy 22,388 0.99% N/A All others 1,155 0.05% 0.10 2,252,582 100.00% N/A Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) By county By county yes #B0CEFF;line-height:135%; none 2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts (by county)1972 to 2020 General Election Results for President https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/search/year_from:1972/year_to:2020/office_id:1/stage:General Commonwealth of Massachusetts Election Results Archive August 17, 2024 County Brown - R % Brown - R #Coakley - D %Coakley - D # Others % Others # Total #Barnstable 57.38% 60,032 41.72% 43,652 0.89% 938 104,622Berkshire 30.49% 13,298 68.48% 29,869 1.03% 447 43,614Bristol 55.77% 93,826 43.03% 72,392 1.20% 2,028 168,246Dukes 34.52% 2,646 64.21% 4,922 1.28% 98 7,666Essex 56.49% 143,969 42.55% 108,430 0.96% 2,436 254,835Franklin 35.71% 9,908 62.64% 17,382 1.65% 457 27,747Hampden 54.48% 71,697 43.99% 57,890 1.53% 2,017 131,604Hampshire 37.27% 21,112 61.44% 34,808 1.30% 733 56,653Middlesex 47.38% 256,927 51.70% 283,595 0.92% 5,054 548,576Nantucket 47.98% 2,032 50.55% 2,141 1.46% 62 4,235Norfolk 55.17% 150,890 43.95% 120,198 0.88% 2,411 273,499Plymouth 62.92% 120,971 36.21% 69,615 0.88% 1,690 192,276Suffolk 32.74% 57,461 66.12% 116,038 1.13% 1,988 175,487Worcester 60.87% 160,409 37.92% 99,929 1.20% 3,184 263,522 Totals51.86%1,168,17847.10%1,060,8611.04%23,543 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Barnstable (largest municipality: Barnstable) Bristol (largest municipality: New Bedford) Essex (largest municipality: Lynn) Hampden (largest municipality: Springfield) Norfolk (largest municipality: Quincy) Plymouth (largest municipality: Brockton) Worcester (largest municipality: Worcester) right 300px Shift by county"Shift" Compares in the percentage change in the margin of victory in each county between 2006 and 2010. 300px Trend relative to the state by county"Trend" Massachusetts shifted 43.51 percentage points more Republican from 2006 to 2010. "Trend" is calculated by comparing each county’s change in margin (2006 vs. 2010) to this statewide Republican swing. Legend #09ceff Democratic—+20%−25% #4bdbff Democratic—+15%−20% #77e3ff Democratic—+10−15% #aaeeff Democratic—+5−10% #D5F6FF Democratic—+<5% #FFD5D5 Republican—+<5% #FFAAAA Republican—+5−10% #FF8080 Republican—+10−15% #FF5555 Republican—+15−20% #FF2A2A Republican—+20−25% #FF0000 Republican—+25−30% #D40000 Republican—+30–40% #b80000 Republican—+40–50% #990000 Republican—+>50% 300px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold Republican #ca0120 Flip By municipality The Associated Press and The Boston Globe reported voting results for each of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts.Massachusetts – County Vote Results January 19, 2010 Associated Press January 19, 2010 http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2010/by_county/MA_US_Senate_0119.html?SITE=AP&SECTION=POLITICSTown-by-town results The Boston Globe January 19, 2010 January 23, 2010 http://www.boston.com/news/special/politics/2010/senate/results.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100122125147/http://www.boston.com/news/special/politics/2010/senate/results.html dead January 22, 2010 Brown won in 229 of those 351 municipalities, while Coakley won in 121. Coakley and Brown tied in the small town of Hawley, each receiving 63 votes. In general, Brown drew support from suburban towns in the central and southeastern portions of the state, while Coakley generally fared well in the cities, in rural towns in western Massachusetts, and on the offshore islands. More specifically, support for Brown tended to be high in Hampden County, the 495 Corridor, the South Shore suburbs and the southwestern part of Cape Cod, particularly the Upper Cape. Brown also won or ran close to even in a number of historically Democratic working-class cities such as Worcester, Lowell and Quincy. Coakley generally fared well in the Berkshires and the cities, and had particularly strong support in college towns such as Amherst, Northampton and Cambridge.Interactive Map, Election Results and Analysis The New York Times Bloch Matthew Cox Amanda Ericson Matthew Hossain Farhana Tse Archie January 19, 2010 January 20, 2010 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/01/19/us/politics/massachusetts-election-map.html Analysis With his victory, Brown became the first Republican to win this seat since 1946, and the first to win either Massachusetts Senate seat since 1972. This is the only time a Republican was elected to Congress from Massachusetts since Peter Blute and Peter Torkildsen won re-election to the House in 1994. This election was the first time since 1946 that the winner of Massachusetts's Class 1 Senate seat was not a member of the Kennedy family. After the election, senior Brown adviser Eric Fehrnstrom stated that the turning point for Brown was the December 30 "JFK ad"https://www.youtube.com/user/scottbrownma#p/u/31/iddquwGpXM0 Kanaal van scottbrownma YouTube September 24, 2009 August 21, 2010 which put the campaign on the map. "After that, it was like riding a rocket ship for 2½ to 3 weeks till today," he said.Live coverage of the US Senate race, The Boston Globe, January 19, 2010 Another widely aired Brown TV ad featured him crisscrossing the state in his 2005 GMC Canyon pickup truck, which had amassed nearly 200,000 miles on the odometer.https://www.youtube.com/user/scottbrownma#p/u/24/nnZw6sm_yAY Kanaal van scottbrownma YouTube September 24, 2009 August 21, 2010 In his victory speech, Brown said "I'm Scott Brown. I'm from Wrentham. I drive a truck."http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/01/scott-brown-drives-his-gmc-pickup-truck-to-us-senate-victory/1 Scott Brown drives his GMC pickup to U.S. Senate victory USA Today January 19, 2010 January 23, 2010 Another critical event in the Brown surge was his debate performance on January 11. When asked by moderator David Gergen why he would oppose health care reform while holding the "Kennedy seat," Brown replied, "It's not the Kennedy seat and it's not the Democrats' seat. It's the people's seat."http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmFhZmVhZDZiNmI1YmI5N2VlZmM1OWRkMzA2ZWI3MmQ= Gergen: Brown 'Stuffed Me' With His Kennedy-Seat Quip National Review January 23, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129140055/http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmFhZmVhZDZiNmI1YmI5N2VlZmM1OWRkMzA2ZWI3MmQ= January 29, 2010 dead mdy-all After the debate, "people's seat" became a rallying cry for Brown supporters. Brown's late surge was made possible by support by conservative bloggers, who immediately after the Massachusetts primary began promoting his candidacy among national conservative activists, who sought to challenge the Democrats in every election.Smith Ben https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2010/01/seeing-brown-coming-024241 Seeing Brown coming Politico January 17, 2010 January 23, 2010http://thenextright.com/patrick-ruffini/fight-everywhere-scott-brown-for-massachusetts Fight Everywhere: Scott Brown for Massachusetts The Next Right January 23, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124001605/http://www.thenextright.com/patrick-ruffini/fight-everywhere-scott-brown-for-massachusetts/ January 24, 2010 dead mdy-allhttp://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/The-politics-of-audacity-79166327.html The politics of audacity The Washington Examiner January 23, 2010May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes At the same time, national Republicans were not publicly targeting the campaign, leading one paper to claim Brown was "left to fend for himself." Undaunted, the Brown campaign succeeded through its moneybomb in raising millions of dollars from Internet donations down the stretch run of the campaign.Ruffini Patrick http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/lessons_of_the_mass_revolt_MuPkh1ZnvIXxkvGTe9iInO Lessons of the Mass. revolt: Feel the anger New York Post January 16, 2010 January 23, 2010 Barack Obama named Coakley's disastrous rhetorical question about whether she ought to stand outside Fenway Park in the cold shaking handshttp://archive.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2010/01/13/campaigns_brevity_shapes_coakley_image_on_trail/ Campaign's brevity shapes Coakley image on trail Boston Globe January 13, 2010 March 15, 2010 David Filipov as a defining moment for his presidency and for his healthcare proposal; to Obama, it reflected Coakley's inept handling of a race that should have been easily winnable.http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/10/barack-obama-on-5-days-that-shaped-his-presidency.html Five Days That Shaped a Presidency Chait Jonathan New York Magazine October 3, 2016 October 2, 2016 Coakley's defeat was considered a major upset.https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34923900 Brown wins Mass. Senate race in epic upset January 18, 2010 NBC Newshttps://www.politico.com/story/2010/01/brown-pulls-off-historic-upset-031674 Brown pulls off historic upset January 20, 2010 POLITICOhttps://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/19/massachusetts-senate-seat In epic upset, GOP's Brown wins Mass. Senate race January 20, 2010 MPR News Her defeat cost her own party a U.S. Senate supermajority and "turned her into a political pariah and the butt of 'Saturday Night Live' sketches".https://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/martha-coakley-charlie-baker-out-for-redemption-in-massachusetts-112418 Coakley, Baker out for redemption November 2, 2014 POLITICO Brown's unexpected victory "sent shock waves through the electoral landscape. Democrats in the Senate lost the 60th seat, imperiling their carefully crafted deal on health insurance reform and requiring serious reflection on what went wrong and how to correct it". Democratic commentators "blamed Coakley’s lackluster campaign effort" for the election outcome.https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/charles-stewart-stephen-ansolabehere-what-happened-in-massachusetts-scott-brown-special-election/ State of the Nation: What happened in Massachusetts Stephen Ansolabehere Charles III Stewart March 1, 2010 Boston Review National response The election was viewed by conservatives outside of Massachusetts as a referendum against President Barack Obama.Nasaw Daniel 2010-01-17 Big guns back flagging Democrats for Ted Kennedy seat https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/17/obama-massachusetts-coakley-campaign 2024-06-03 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 However, Brown stated that he didn't believe that it was a referendum on Obama.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brown-mass-win-about-anger-not-obama/ Brown: Mass. Win about Anger, not Obama January 20, 2010 Associated Press October 7, 2013 CBS News Response from Democrats thumb|right|Obama and his aides discuss Brown's win and the loss of a filibuster-proof super-majority in the Senate. President Barack Obama, via political advisor David Axelrod – "I think that there were a lot of elements to the message [in the election]. Health care was part of it."Gibbs, Axelrod on Mass. win, Obama's first year https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34954493 January 3, 2011 NBC News January 20, 2010 Jim Webb (D-VA) – "The race was a referendum not only on health care reform but also on the openness and integrity of our government process. It is vital that we restore the respect of the American people in our system of government and in our leaders. To that end, I believe it would only be fair and prudent that we suspend further votes on health care legislation until Senator-elect Brown is seated." Steny Hoyer (D-MD) – "We will all be making a mistake if we believe that the message that was delivered in Massachusetts last night was unique to Massachusetts. That anger was directed, frankly, at all of us."Hoyer: Voter anger should worry both parties; Dems to focus on health, jobs The Hill, January 20, 2010 Response from Republicans Republicans were elated at the election result.http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/A-Massachusetts-Miracle_-8746772-81097297.html Hugh Hewitt: A Massachusetts miracle? The Washington Examiner January 11, 2010 January 23, 2010May 2019 InternetArchiveBot yesLynn Sweet http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2010/10/sen_scott_brown--massachusetts.html Sen. Scott Brown--Massachusetts miracle--at Kirk get out the vote rally Sunday Chicago Sun-Times October 26, 2010 December 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000509/http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2010/10/sen_scott_brown--massachusetts.html December 31, 2013 dead mdy-allScott Coen http://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/index.ssf/2010/01/scott_brown_and_the_massachusetts_miracle.html Scott Brown and the 'Massachusetts Miracle' MassLive January 17, 2010 John Cornyn (R-TX) – "Democrats nationwide should be on notice: Americans are ready to hold the party in power accountable for their irresponsible spending and out-of-touch agenda, and they're ready for real change in Washington. This is very energizing to a lot of people, Republicans and independents."Cormyn, GOP leaders revel in winning Kennedy's Massachusetts Senate seat DallasNews.com, January 20, 2010 Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – "There's a reason the nation was focused on this race. The American people have made it abundantly clear that they're more interested in shrinking unemployment than expanding government. They're tired of bailouts. They're tired of the government spending more than ever at a time when most people are spending less. And they don't want the government taking over health care."The Message of Massachusetts Press Releases: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, January 20, 2010 John Boehner (R-OH) – "For nine months, I've talked to you about the political rebellion that's been brewing in America. It manifested itself in August at town hall meetings around the country. We saw it manifest itself in what happened in Virginia and New Jersey back in November. And we saw it manifest itself again last night in Massachusetts, when the people of Massachusetts stood up and said, 'enough is enough.' And it's pretty clear that while the American people continue to speak, the Democrat leadership here in this House continues to ignore them and is looking for some way to continue to press this health care bill to a vote."Boehner: The People of Massachusetts Stood Up and Said, 'Enough is Enough.' Standard Newswire, January 20, 2010 Eric Cantor (R-VA) – "The American people, the people of Massachusetts last night have rejected the arrogance. They are tired of being told by Washington how to think and what to do,"Obama aides: We're sticking with our agenda, including health care The Oval, USA Today, January 20, 2010 John McCain (R-AZ) – "Last night, a shot was fired around this nation: saying no more business as usual in Washington, D.C."John McCain Calls Massachusetts Senate Election "Wake-Up Call" for Politicians in Washington https://web.archive.org/web/20100128062927/http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2010/01/john_mccain_calls_massachusett.php January 28, 2010 Phoenix New Times Blog, January 20, 2010 Olympia Snowe (R-ME) – "I never say anything is dead, but I think that clearly they're going to have to revisit the entire issue. I think that was true from the outset. I think there were a lot of concerns that ultimately, collectively manifested themselves in yesterday's vote. The American people are rightfully frustrated and they should be. This process is not becoming of this institution, the United States Congress. You can't drive a policy that doesn't have the support of the American people."Snowe stands firm against health care bill USA Today, January 20, 2010 See also List of United States senators from Massachusetts 2017 United States Senate special election in Alabama 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election Notes Poll 30em References Specific Generic External links Massachusetts U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com Campaign contributions from Open Secrets 2010 Massachusetts Senate Special graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com 2010 Massachusetts Senate Race from CQ Politics Debates Debate on the Jim and Margery radio show in Boston, broadcast by WTKK (podcast part1 and part2), January 5, 2010 Debate at Springfield, broadcast by WGBY-TV (QuickTime video and Windows Media Video https://web.archive.org/web/20120925191028/http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wgby/state.mediaplayer?STATION_NAME=wgby&MEDIA_ID=879327&MEDIA_EXTENSION=asf&MODULE=state September 25, 2012 ), January 8, 2010 US Senate Debate, Edward M. Kennedy Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston YouTube, January 11, 2010 Massachusetts Senate Debate, C-SPAN, January 11, 2010 Official campaign sites Scott Brown for Senate Martha Coakley for Senate Joe Kennedy for Senate Alan Khazei for Senate Steve Pagliuca for Senate Jack E Robinson for Senate United States Senate Massachusetts 2010 Massachusetts 2010 Massachusetts Senate United States Senate 2010