BOSTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Massachusetts voters have been deluged with political commercials as Republicans and Democrats seek the Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy.
The special election could also determine the future of healthcare legislation by depriving the Democrats of the 60th vote needed to prevent a filibuster.
State Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic candidate, had been expected to be a shoo-in. But Scott Brown, a conservative state legislator, has made a strong showing in the polls in a state that has not sent a Republican to the Senate for more than 30 years.
Morning shows and newscasts are popular places for the commercials, The Boston Globe reported. Viewers of the ABC morning show "Good Morning America" have been getting a dozen spots during each two-hour show this week.
Brown has promised to be the 41st vote to keep healthcare reform from coming to another Senate vote, a statement that turned the race into a national showdown.
In addition to the two parties, outside groups have entered the money race. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Americans for Responsible Health Care have been funding Brown ads, while the Service Employees International Union is supporting Coakley.
