By Anna Goodman,
Political Analyst
 

    The tiny state of Massachusetts has always played a vital role in America’s heritage.  From pilgrims to the Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts has demanded notice time and time again throughout U.S. history.  A few weeks ago, the small-but-mighty state once again commanded the attention of the entire country when a unique United States Senate race was held between Scott Brown (R) and Martha Coakley (D)  for the purpose of finding a replacement for the late Senator Ted Kennedy.  When Scott Brown became the first Republican to win a Senate seat in the deep blue state in over thirty years, it set in motion a chain of widely varied speculations about the special election’s implications for the future—both during the current administration (since Brown’s victory ended the filibuster proof majority of Democrats in Congress) in addition to the potential ramifications for the 2010 and 2012 elections.

    Scott Brown’s win was an extremely decisive victory for Republicans, and it has the potential to affect the performance of concerned Democrats both in Congress and the White House throughout the remainder of their terms.  The fact that Brown could pull off such a win—especially in a highly partisan state like Massachusetts—should stand as a warning to Democrats.  Unless they shape up rapidly, their days as the majority party are numbered.  Through polls, the tea party movement, and other methods, Americans have attempted to send a message to Washington about their opposition to some of the Democrats main legislative efforts, such as the trillion-dollar healthcare reform bill.  Although Democrats seemed to ignore the voice of the people originally, they are now being forced to listen because they are no longer filibuster proof in Congress and their seats are at risk in the coming elections.  Over the upcoming months, expect to see Democrats reducing their pressure on more radical bills.  At least until the 2010 elections pass, they will more than likely be trying to play it safe and regain some of the more moderate voters who have swung towards Republicans during the Obama administration.  The Republican victory of Brown has already begun to affect the plans of the Obama White House and the democratic Congress.  From this point on, they will face more opposition and must pick their battles carefully if they intended to maintain their majority in 2010.

     2010.  Every newspaper and talk show seems to be buzzing with speculations and rumors about this year’s elections.  Why?  Well, there are two reasons actually.  First of all, this election has the potential to swing the balance of Congress to the Republicans, and secondly, everyone is looking at this election as an indicator of how the 2012 presidential race might play out.  With Brown’s win, it seems public leaning is definitely towards Republicans.  U.S. citizens are rightfully concerned and wary of the Democrats’ far left agenda and are tending to side with the relatively more conservative Republican Party.  If Republican’s wrest control of the House and/or Senate during this years’ races, it may signal the end of Obama’s ability to force through legislation.  Also, many would see it as an indicator that a Republican would most likely reoccupy the White House in 2012.  Considering all these factors, it is not hard to see why 2010 elections have become much-discussed topics, especially in light of the results of the Massachusetts special election.

      When you extend the potential implications of Brown’s election to 2012, it is easy to see why Democrats are getting a little nervous.  Brown won in Massachusetts, which is an extremely liberal state, and this being the case, the chances of more bipartisan states supporting the Republican candidate for 2012 seem greatly increased.  Adding to the likelihood of Obama’s removal from office in the next presidential race is the fact that his approval ratings continue to drop rapidly. His job approval rating from the Gallup pole for February 8-10, 2009, was 66% while exactly one year later it has dropped to a mere 50%.  Combining all these factors, then, it seems that Brown’s win may be a fair indication of the direction of 2012 elections as well.

     Who would have thought that the one senatorial race in a tiny New England state could have such nationwide implications?  Brown’s victory is already forcing Democrats to consider new strategies and more bipartisan projects, especially in light of the 2010 elections.  In fact, the Democrats’ monopoly on the government is greatly threatened because, if the Massachusetts race was any indication, the number of Republican Congressmen will skyrocket this year.  Looking farther out, though, Brown’s win could indicate the return of Americans to more Conservative politics and the election of a Republican president in 2012.  The Senatorial race between Brown and Coakley is one for the books, not only because of the race itself, but because of its long term implications.p