Worcester Telegram endorses Scott Brown. Update: Boston Globe poll

In a stunning editorial, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the fourth largest newspaper in Massachusetts, has endorsed Scott Brown, the Republican candidate to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Teddy Kennedy.  From the article:

There is no question that with the passing of Ted Kennedy, Massachusetts lost one of the most powerful voices ever to serve in the Senate. Any candidate seeking to succeed him will need years of experience and a gift for reaching across the political aisle if they hope to approach the level of influence he wielded. Given the serious issues that face our nation, and the deep ideological divides that have riven Congress, we believe that state Sen. Scott Brown is the best choice to reinvigorate Massachusetts’ voice on Capitol Hill.



Choosing a senator, even at this time of sharp partisan divides, is ultimately not about ideology or party. As important as the health-care reform debate is, the decision before voters on Jan. 19 is not simply about adding a critical 60th vote in favor of a given bill, or adding a critical 41st vote against that bill. Nor is it a matter of making history by electing a candidate on the basis of gender. The time for such “historic” firsts is passing. Above all, voters a week from Tuesday should set aside all talk of what the late Sen. Ted Kennedy or his family would have wanted. The United States is a representative democracy. Positions of power are not to be “owned” by any political party, and cannot be inherited or handed down as if this were a medieval kingdom.


This election is about which candidate is best able to articulate and promote plans for sustainable economic growth, a vigorous national defense, and a limited government able and willing to remind its own members and the American people of the enduring value of our founding principles.

The Telegram is owned by the New York Times Company.

A Rasmussen Reports poll last week showed a tightening of this race with Coakley leading 50-41.  But a new poll released yesterday by Public Policy Polling shows Brown up 48 to 47, a virtual dead heat.

Massachusetts hasn't had a Republican U.S. Senator since Edward Brooke lost his seat in 1979 to Paul Tsongas.  If elected, Brown could cast the deciding vote to kill the health care bill in the Senate.

Update:  The Boston Globe says Coakley leads by 15 points.  This just gets curiouser and curiouser.