It feels like the Presidential election season again but this time the battle is between  Martha Coakley, a Massachusetts Democrat and Scott Brown, a Massachusetts Republican.  They battle off for the U.S. Senate seat formally held by Democrat, Ted Kennedy who died in August.  The polls opened at 7 in the morning, on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  Ipswich High School seniors eligible to vote have done so, and others who are not eligible have taken a stance on either candidate who most identify with their views.  I took the time to speak to those students on how they feel it will turn out, who they are in favor for, and why.

            I asked Chase Hambley why he feels that the candidate that should be voted into the Senate seat is Martha Coakley.  His response was, “I agree with her (Coakley) democratic ideals.”   “It’s really important to put a Democrat in Congress to get the health care bill passed”, said Chase.  “Somebody to fill the shoes of Ted Kennedy should be put in the seat and I feel that she has a good record of serving the people of Massachusetts and has proved she can do a good job.”

            On the other hand, IHS senior Matt Marsh voted for Scott Brown.  “He’s more honest.  I also agree a lot more with the ideas he has”, said Marsh.  “For instance, I agree with him voting against Obama’s healthcare plan.  I think it would be important to balance out the senate so it’s not completely politically left.”  Brown also appeals to Matt because he will end Government spending, drive down taxes and will help start small businesses which will jump start the economy.  “I want someone with different political policies than Ted Kennedy because he was so liberal”, concluded Matt. 

            “I feel it is important for her to win basically because if Scott Brown wins, he will make the price of medicine higher and harder to get for the elderly”, says Aaron Zarouslis. “And she wants to make it more accessible.”  “I feel like Martha Coakley has the experience and I feel if there is a Republican, bills being passed won’t be on a smoother pace.”      

            At 9:21 PM, January 19^th, 2010, Martha Coakley announced her loss against U.S. Senate seat taker, Scott Brown, and gave her concession speech shortly after.  Brown won 52 percent over 47 percent of Martha Coakley.  “Now the Senate needs to work together” says Robbie Dick, “It would be a positive step for our state if Brown successfully implements more job opportunities in Massachusetts” says the Brown supporter.  “I am excited about the outcome and its necessary steps for our country”, reiterated Matt Marsh.  “I am looking very forward to him voting against the Health Care bill.” 

            Some may wonder why this election got national coverage.  There are many reasons for such attention.  First of all, the State of Massachusetts is the bluest (most democratic) state in the country.  It is an extreme rarity that a Republican wins.  In fact, the last Republican senator in Massachusetts was elected in 1972.  Everybody was predicting Martha Coakley to win because a few weeks back she was well in the lead, and Ted Kennedy, who was a Massachusetts Democrat, had held the seat before Brown.  It was predicted that a Democrat was to hold it again.  Another is the fact that Democrats lose a seat in the House of Representatives and it sends a message to moderate Democrats in the House to think twice of voting for the Presidents Health Care package because now they fear for their jobs.