Everett Said:

How will the Mass election of a Republican impact Cap and Trade legislation in the Senate?

We Answered:

It's going to be that much more difficult, but it still has a decent shot.

Lindsey Graham - a conservative Republican from South Carolina - is co-sponsoring the legislation. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will probably vote for it. Lisa Murkowski might be another "gettable" Republican, based on statements she's made. John McCain is a close ally of Graham's, so he's also "gettable".

Brown isn't even necessarily a "no" vote. He knows he was elected in one of the most liberal states in the country by a slim margin. If he votes against the bill, he's not doing his re-election chances any favors. He's so far been a fence-sitter on the issue, basically saying we don't know if global warming is caused by humans or natural. So he probably won't vote for it, but you never know.

There will also be some Democrats to vote against it. Landrieu is from Louisiana, which depends heavily on the petroleum industry. She and Ben Nelson are likely "no" votes among the Democrats.

But if they can get say 5 Republicans on board, they can still afford to lose 4 Democrats even if Brown is a "no" vote and still get their 60.

If the bill does fail, frankly we're all screwed. Australia won't pass one either, neither will Canada, we won't be able to forge an international climate agreement, etc. It will be a disaster. I have a feeling it will get done because it's one of those things that *has* to get done, and even some Republican Senators realize it. Hopefully enough of them.

Max Said:

What's the big deal about the Mass Senate election and the Healthcare reform bill?

We Answered:

its called a filibuster...its where any member can make a speech for any amount of time...the senate needs 60 votes to stop a filibuster...

Cory Said:

Will Mass voters decide the Senate race of Repub.or Dem. & The Healthcare Bill ?

We Answered:

I don't know. It's appalling that it's this close in a very liberal state like Massachusetts though we do have pockets of staunch conservatives. They usually don't get their way though.

I'm in MA. I'm not sure who I will vote for. I don't like the healthcare bill as it stands. Health care does need reforming for the people and small businesses. How to keep costs down - improve care - not easy questions. I don't know if our gov't can even do it. They have been working on it.

Time will tell. I hope things improve.

I'm voting and will make my decision by tomorrow when I'm there.

James Said:

If voters are really angry why don't they vote for Independent candidates?

We Answered:

Independents usually swing the democratic way, and right now they'd end up not being any different. The people are going to have to demand a cleanup and real change.

Andre Said:

Is the Mass. senate election backlash against the Democratic party or just a case of a terrible candidate?

We Answered:

I think it is a combination of both. Coakley was not the best candidate, but if this election would have taken place a year ago I believe she would have won easily.

And yes, I believe a Kennedy could have won that election today. But that's only because they worship the Kennedys there.