The Massachusetts Question

Republican Scott Brown pulled off what appears to be an underdog's victory on Tuesday night, besting Democrat Martha Coakley in the special election to replace deceased U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy. The race was viewed as a barometer for a Democratic Party that one year ago captured control of Congress and the White House. In recent months, however, the party has shown vulnerabilities. Critics on both the right and left have taken issue with the direction of health care reform and families continue to struggle in the recession economy.

News organizations in Boston called the race in Brown's favor around 9:20 p.m. local time.

Scott Brown (R): 52

Martha Coakley (D): 47

Joe Kennedy (L): 1 percent

Coakley, who complained about irregular ballots, is expected to concede the race, according to the Boston Globe, citing a Brown aide.

A Brown victory leaves the nation's health care reform bill in doubt. Senator Kennedy was an ardent support of reform, calling it his lifelong goal. Brown is not expected to support the current reform bill, which is hanging on a single vote in the Senate.

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