With the passing of Edward Kennedy, an important seat in the Senate has opened up. Thankfully Blagojevich is not from Massachusetts!
Anyway, the race has been going on for awhile and these days mostly involves Scott Brown and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. It should be wrapped up on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010.
I first learned about Martha Coakley with regard to the Sullivan Courthouse in Cambridge. She had her office moved from the building due to her concerns about asbestos. As far as I know, the asbestos is still in the building, as are other workers and prisoners.
I don't know much about Scott Brown, other than the headlines that Coakley has generated lately saying that he opposes contraception for rape victims. Regardless of who is the better person for the job, I really don't like that type of politicking. I also don't think its appropriate for the President to travel to Massachusetts and campaign for Coakley, as reported in the New York Times. I think his attention would be better focused on our economy or on rescue efforts in Haiti.
Apparently this race has more to do with national politics and the debate about public health care than it does Massachusetts. I'm not sure what to make of that.
UPDATE: Obama did in fact travel to Boston to rally for Martha Coakley.