Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts | featured news

The newly elected Republican from Massachusetts is formally put in the Senate to replace Edward M. Kennedy.

Turnout will be key for Tuesday's special election to fill the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's seat. Republican Scott Brown and Democrat Martha Coakley crisscross the state for support.

In the final moments of a U.S.

Massachusetts could have a new U.S. senator by the end of the week.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick threw his support Monday behind a proposal to appoint an interim successor to the late Senator Edward Kennedy and also set a date of Jan. 19 for a special election to fill the term that ends in 2012.

A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Obama's health care overhaul.