Coakley
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Parties for the victors in Tuesday's U.S. Senate primary election in Massachusetts are already touting their respective candidate's credentials for next month's general election.
Republican state Sen. Scott Brown and state Attorney General Martha Coakley earned primary wins and will face off Jan. 19. Coakley emerged from a four-person race with 47 percent of the vote and is vying to become the state's first female senator.
Democratic National Committee chair and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine called it "an historic opportunity." The two candidates are hoping to replace the late Ted Kennedy, who passed away in August after 47 years in the Senate.
"I can't think of a more fitting tribute to Sen. Kennedy, who dedicated his life to advancing civil rights and expanding opportunity for women and minorities," Kaine said.
Kaine called Coakley a dedicated public servant who fights to protect consumers from unfair business practices. He added that she will push to pass health insurance reform and reverse President George Bush's economic policies.
Like Kaine, Massachusetts Republican Party chair Jennifer Nassour said her candidate will attempt to bring jobs to the state. She also said she "enthusiastically" supports his candidacy.
"As a military officer serving in the National Guard, Scott Brown has the experience to make decisions critical to the safety of his fellow troops and security of his fellow citizens," Nassour said.
Nassour also made a point to mention Coakley, saying she has exhibited "a clear pattern throughout her career of not standing tough on political corruption and crime."
"Coakley has treaded lightly as attorney general, simply because she didn't want to step on the toes of other Beacon Hill Democrats in her long-waged campaign for U.S. Senate," she added.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.