An unexpectedly close race for the Senate seat opened up by the passing of Ted Kennedy has generated a great deal of interest among the political activist community. The passion belongs to the Republicans right now, benefiting State Sen. Scott Brown in his uphill battle against Democratic State AG Martha Coakley, but fears of losing what should be a solid blue seat may be inspiring some passion on Coakley’s behalf as well.
According to CQ Roll Call, the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have combined to send over $1M to benefit Coakley, and she’s receiving additional help from unions and PACs. While the reciprocal national Republican campaign organizations as said to have remained on the sidelines so far, other conservative groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the American Future Fund, have been pouring money into the state on Brown’s behalf.
The election will be held Tuesday, 1/19/10.
RBR-TVBR observation: Anytime an election is held at an unusual time, it holds out the possibility of extra cash flow, since there are no distractions coming from hot battles elsewhere. This time, the status of the seat as the key to the continuation of Democrat’s 60 senator supermajority makes it a prime target for Republicans, leading to equally strong defensive motivations across the aisle.
