In Massachusetts, Republican Scott Brown has won an upset victory over Democrat Martha Coakley in a special election for the Senate seat vacated by the late Edward Kennedy. Brown’s victory will leave Democrats in nominal control of fifty-nine seats, one short of the sixty needed to overcome Republican filibusters. The result could immediately derail President Obama’s push for a healthcare reform bill, which Kennedy described as the cause of his life. Addressing cheering supporters, Brown said he would vote against the current legislation.

Sen.-elect Scott Brown: “One thing is very, very clear, as I traveled throughout the state: people do not want the trillion-dollar healthcare plan that is being forced — that is being forced on the American people. And this bill is not being debated openly and fairly. It will raise taxes. It will raise taxes. It will hurt Medicare. It will destroy jobs and run our nation deeper into debt.”

In addition to his stance on healthcare reform, Brown has voiced support for the torture technique known as waterboarding on foreign prisoners and has opposed a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants unless they first leave the United States. Coakley began the race as a heavy favorite, but was criticized for what some characterized as a lackluster campaign. In her concession speech, Coakley invoked the words of the late Senator Kennedy.

Martha Coakley: “OK, so this is the deal. Although our campaign ends tonight, we know that our mission continues and our work goes on. I am heartbroken at the result, and I know that you are also.”