The National Republican Senatorial Committee has released a statement congratulating Senator-Elect Scott Brown, saying the special Massachusetts election has put Democrats on notice for the 2010 midterms.
“As we look forward to the midterm elections this November, Democrats nationwide should be on notice: Americans are ready to hold the party in power accountable for their irresponsible spending and out-of-touch agenda, and they’re ready for real change in Washington,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chairman of the NRSC.
Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley, the state attorney general, in the race for the seat held by Democrat Ted Kennedy for 47 years. Coakley led Brown in the polls by 15 points as recently as mid December.
Republicans sought to frame the election as a referendum on health care reform, which may now hang in the balance. Brown has vowed to be the 41st Republican senator to support a filibuster of the legislation.
Cornyn said the election sends a clear message that the nation favors fiscal responsibility and checks-and-balances in Washington.
“Even in the bluest of blue states, Scott Brown’s message resonated with families, seniors, and small business owners who have rejected President Obama’s massive health care takeover and the Democrats’ out-of-control spending agenda in Washington,” he added.
