Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has won the Democratic nomination in the special election for Senate — close to a win in the general election itself, in this Democratic state, in the race to succeed the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.
With 94% of precincts reporting, Coakley has 47%, well ahead of her nearest opponent, Rep. Mike Capuano, with 28%. Coakley will face Republican state Sen. Scott Brown in the general election, which will be held on January 19, and in which the Democratic candidate will be heavily favored.
Coakley, who was elected attorney general in 2006 after having previously been Middlesex County District Attorney, was the only statewide official in the race. She began the primary as the clear frontrunner, and easily fended off efforts by Capuano to out-flank her on the left.
It should be noted that Capuano is not done with politics or out of office — this was a special election, and he did not have to risk his current House seat for the race.