A poll released last night by Public Policy Polling shows Republican Scott Brown leading Democrat Martha Coakley in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate Race by the narrowest of margins, 48% to 47%.

This race is particularly important as Brown's election would have profound implications.  It would alter the filibuster control that Democrats have in the U.S. Senate.  Brown would become the 41st Republican vote.   It could also completely derail the Democrats' unpopular health care bill should it not be passed by the time he were to take office.

The election will be held in just 9 days on Tuesday January 19.


Brown's favorables, according to Public Policy Polling, are quite high with a +32 favorability spread, 57/25.  Among independents, who will make the difference in this race, Brown's favorability spread is a whopping 54% at 70/16.  Independents in Massachusetts oppose the Democrat health care bill 59% to 27% according to the Public Policy Poll.  This is clearly helping Brown as he opposes the health care plan and Coakley supports it.  Brown's favorables are higher than than those of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell when he won the Virginia race by 17%.  McDonnell's favorables were +20 in the final poll before the election last November.  There is still a long week ahead in this Massachusetts contest.
Photo Source:  Boston Herald

This race has implications for every person living in every state as it could mean the difference in the health care bill, tax rates and federal legislation for 2010. Because of this expect a lot of action this week.  Both national parties will get into the act with resources and the last 9 days of this race should be a brawl.   If you are for or against health care legislation, this race is important to you. 

For more info on each candidate go to their websites:  www.brownforussenate.com  and  www.marthacoakley.com