Sean Duffy

Sean Duffy's campaign to unseat David Obey is getting national attention.

TIME cites Duffy as one of "10 More Scott Browns."

Scott Brown's surprise victory in the Massachusetts Senate Race has given Republicans new confidence in challenging Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections. Here's a look at ten GOP congressional contenders who could follow in Brown's wake....

In a normal year, Wisconsin Democrat David Obey, the powerful head of the House appropriations committee, would not have to worry. But normal years do not bring challengers like Sean Duffy, a successful district attorney who also happens to be a former star of MTV's The Real World (Boston), a champion lumberjack competitor, and an ESPN commentator.

...With plenty of media attention, strong fundraising, and a very fresh face — he wasn't even born when Obey first took office in 1970 — Duffy will likely win the Republican primary, barring a surprise showing by the self-proclaimed tea party candidate Dan Mielke. Of course, that would mean facing the third-longest-serving member of the House in the general election, a man whose smallest margin of victory in eighteen elections was seven points.

The Democrats and the liberal pundits didn't think Republican Scott Brown could win in Massachusetts. They underestimated him.

Obey underestimates Duffy at his own peril.

I believe Sean Duffy can defeat David "War Surtax" Obey.

I really hope Obama comes to Wisconsin to campaign for Obey. We know how much Obama's visit to Massachusetts helped Martha Coakley Scott Brown.

SNL: Obama State of the Union

Saturday Night Live opened with its take on Obama's State of the Union address.

As usual, Fred Armisen played Obama. Behind him were Jason Sudeikis as Joe Biden and Kristen Wiig as Nancy Pelosi.



Transcript

OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Madame Speaker, Vice President Biden, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans,

Five months ago our nation lost one of its most honorable and courageous public servants -- Sen. Edward Kennedy.

And last week in Massachusetts, we saw a special election to fill his Senate seat. Now, that election did not go my party's way. So naturally all the pundits have their different theories on what it all means. The fact is no one knows.

But there's one thing we do know: Our nominee, Martha Coakley, was the single most incompetent candidate ever to seek public office in this nation's history. Shame on you, Martha Coakley. How do you not know that Curt Schilling pitched for the Red Sox? Martha Coakley, you are a disgrace. You couldn't beat Dick Cheney for mayor of Berkeley. You deserved to lose, Martha. You deserved to lose. You stunk up the joint.

Thank you, thank you.

Now, before we assess the state of our union today, let's pause to recall where we stood when I assumed office just one year ago. Our nation -- mired in two wars, a collapsing stock market, an economy rocked by severe recession, and a government deeply in debt. But that's not all.

Last January 20th, when Michelle and I first entered the White House, we were absolutely horrified at what we found: Dishes piled high in the sink; sheets that hadn't been washed in months, perhaps years; floors littered with candy wrappers and dust bunnies; and a fridge filled with food long past its expiration date. The cable bill had not been paid since the Clinton administration and service had been turned off years ago. Late fees alone ran into the hundreds of dollars. Also, and I want to put this as delicately as I can, according to staff familiar with the furnishings, things were missing.

But of all the legacies left by my predecessor, none was as damaging as a jobless rate of nearly 15 percent. Putting Americans back to work has therefore been my administration's top priority, and it will be until every American who wants a job has one.

Thank you.

Here are three jobs that as of noon today were still available:

Tezak Bros. Roofing in Hinsdale, Illinois, has an opening for a part-time bookkeeper. Contact Bob or Andy Teezak at 1-800-555-0199.

Mike's Burger World on Route 7 in Bellevue, Washington is looking for kitchen staff. Applicants must be available nights and weekends and willing to wear a hairnet.

And, Local 507 of the carpenters union has a position available for construction on the new Hudson County Courthouse in Jersey City, New Jersey. Starting wage is $45 an hour. And like most jobs on this project, it's a no-show job. You can stay home all day.

So, that's three jobs right there.

And that's not all. In the months ahead, I plan to ask Congress for legislation ending the ban on gays in the military. This in itself will create 30,000 jobs in our Armed Forces, as well as two new series on BRAVO.

Also, there's health care reform. To be honest at this point, I could go either way on that. If you want it, pass it. Whatever, I'll sign it. It's your call. I really don't care anymore.

Thank you. God bless you. And Live from New York, it's Saturday Night.

Poor Martha Coakley.

Video.

Scott Brown and Jay Leno (Video, Transcript)

Senator-elect Scott Brown was Jay Leno's guest for his 10 @ 10 segment.

Transcript:

JAY LENO: My guest and I have two things in common: We are both from Massachusetts and both known for our good looks. It's amazing, Kevin. This is when we ask ten questions. We call it '10 @ 10.'

Tonight, our special guest won a stunning victory to be the first Republican senator from Massachusetts in 30 years. Say hello to Senator-elect Scott Brown.

Scott, how are you doing?

SCOTT BROWN: Great, Jay. It's good to be on.

LENO: I just talked to him back stage for about two seconds. You told me something amazing. Your dad was a frequent guest in our home. My dad hired your dad, and he was the new young insurance agent. Your dad would come to my house when I was a kid.

BROWN: That's right. And apparently your folks named your dog 'Bruce' after my dad.

LENO: That's right. I did have a collie named 'Bruce' after his dad. Well, say 'hi' to your father for me. Give him my best.

BROWN: I sure will. I will, Jay. Thank you.

LENO: Now are you ready for these 10 hard-hitting questions?

BROWN: I think so.

LENO: All right. Here we go. Number one: First thing you do in the morning?

BROWN: Well, after I obviously clean up, I work out. I probably swim throughout the week probably two miles, I bike about 95, and I run probably 15 to 20 miles a week. So you divide that by five or six, and that's how it works out.

LENO: God, that's another thing we have in common. This is unbelievable. I can't believe it.

Question number two: Have you ever stolen anything?

BROWN: Yes, I did. When I was 12, I hate to tell you, but I stole some records up at Lechmere, up in Middleton-Danvers area, and I put 'em in my farmer jeans. I got caught and went to the judge's chambers.

He said, 'Hey, I see you like music. What else do you do?' I said, 'Well, I like basketball.' He said, 'Are you good?' I said, 'Yeah, I’m really good.' He said, 'Do you have any brothers or sisters?' I said, 'Yeah I do.' He said, 'Do they look up to you?' 'Yes.' 'Do they love you?' 'Yes.' 'Well, how do you think they'd like to see you play basketball in jail?' And he had me write a 1,500-word essay. I wrote it, and I haven't done anything like that since. And it's a good reminder.

LENO: There you go. Very good. Very good.

Now, question number three: It's been widely publicized that while you were attending law school you posed for Cosmopolitan Magazine.

BROWN: Yeah.

LENO: Now if you would ever run for president... (Shot of the centerfold) God, that's another thing we have in common. If you were to ever run for president, would you consider doing it again to get female voters?

BROWN: Well, that's an interesting question, Jay. And the only reason I did it back in 1982 is because you weren't available, number one.

Leno: Yeah, that's right.

BROWN: And then, obviously, it's almost 30 years later. I'd probably have to do it for Mature Senior or AARP Magazine. So it's a little different now.

LENO: See, I didn't do it because they didn't want to spring for the extra flap for the magazine. All right.

Number four: A friend of mine from Massachusetts told me that car dealerships are having Scott Brown specials. What does that mean to the car dealership?

BROWN: Well, there's two of them actually, Jay. One is that you can buy a used GMC Canyon and you get a special deal. The other one, Jay, is this right here. (Holds up official Scott Brown toy truck) You've got the official Scott Brown truck and you're going to get the first one. These are available, too. So...

LENO: Really?

BROWN: So, there's two things going on. I'm gonna get you the first one.

LENO: How many miles do you got on your truck?

BROWN: 202,000.

LENO: Wow! Very good. Very good.

Number five: What movie have you watched the most, and can you recite a line from it?

BROWN: Well, I like a lot, all movies, but I've watched probably Rocky, 1 through 30, Rambo, 1 through 25. So, obviously you know, 'Adrian, Adrian. We did it. I did it.' So...

LENO: There you go. All right. So, you like the art house films.

BROWN: Yeah, yeah, they're really deep.

LENO: Number six: Your opponent Martha Coakley made a huge mistake not knowing that Curt Schilling played for the Red Sox. I think she said the Yankees. What was your biggest campaign blunder?

BROWN: Oh, gosh. Well, aside from forgetting to take the dogs out and coming home to a very messy house, a couple of times I just made some verbal gaffes, but nothing to worry about. But certainly nothing like the Red Sox gaffe. Curt Schilling is definitely a Red Sox fan.

LENO: OK. Number seven: Did you have a nickname growing up?

BROWN: Yeah, they called me 'Downtown Scotty Brown' when I played basketball because I enjoyed shooting first of all, all the time, but secondly, from behind the three-point line. But the difference is when I played, I hate to say it, they didn't even have the three-point line.

LENO: All right. Here you go: When was last time you talked to the President? And could you beat him one-on-one in basketball? You're about the same age and he's pretty fit, too.

BROWN: Well, he looks like he's in great shape. It would certainly be a tough game. But the only time I spoke to him was election night. And I did challenge him to pick his best, and I'll take my daughter, Ayla, who plays for Boston College. And we challenged him to a little two-on-two. I think we'd have the upper hand.

LENO: Really? Really? All right. You heard it. So that is a, that is a challenge going out tonight.

BROWN: Yes, absolutely.

LENO: All right. You heard it. All right.

BROWN: It'll be fun.

LENO: All right.

Number nine: Unlike your former opponent, Martha Coakley, you are a big Red Sox fan. In 15 seconds, can you name the starting five pitchers for the Red Sox in 2010? Starting five pitchers--

BROWN: Well, it's obviously up in the air a little bit. But you have Lester, Lackey, Buchholz, Beckett and Wakefield or... Let me see here, yeah, probably Wakefield or Daisuke.

LENO: All right. Very good, very good. OK.

Last question: A B or C-- When your daughters heard you say on election night that they are available, they were A) embarrassed, B) they laughed it off, C) got over 500 phone calls from John Edwards?

BROWN: I'd have to go with B. They laughed it off, and then they yelled at me. So...

LENO: There you go. Senator Brown, congratulations. Thank you for coming on.

BROWN: Thank you.

Video.

Sykes for Senate

On his WTMJ radio program today, Charlie Sykes addressed the suggestion that he should jump into the U.S. senate race and challenge Wisconsin's radical Leftist senator, Russ Feingold.

About a week ago, Mark Belling started calling on Sykes to run.

This morning, Sykes played a clip from Belling's WISN talk show. I believe the clip was the first time Belling made the case for Sykes to take on the vulnerable Feingold. This was before Scott Brown beat Martha Coakley to become Massachusetts' next senator.

So far, the Republican Party of Wisconsin has failed to find a viable candidate to run against Feingold. It would be a flat-out dereliction of duty for the Party to permit Feingold to waltz his way to another term without having to face a credible opponent.

Sykes said he decided to discuss the topic of tossing his hat into the ring since people were inquiring, via e-mail, about the matter.

He agrees with Belling that the Republicans would be missing a tremendous opportunity if they didn't make a serious effort to get rid of Feingold in 2010.

Sykes offered a list of names he considers to be viable candidates: Paul Ryan, Mark Neumann, Mark Green, Scott Klug, Tim Michels, and Tommy Thompson.

Regarding his proposed candidacy, Sykes said, "At this point in time, I don't anticipate getting into the race."

He said he's having too much fun as a radio talk show host to give up his current gig.

During the discussion, Sykes repeated "at this point."

He sounded a lot like Hillary Clinton did when she was asked about running for president. I can still hear Tim Russert posing the question.

"At this point" and "I don't anticipate" certainly isn't a firm "not gonna do it."

So is Sykes seriously leaving the door open a little bit, or is he being a shrewd showman?

ObamaCare Chappaquiddick

Scott Brown's Acceptance Speech (Video, Transcript)

Video of Scott Brown's acceptance speech:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Although he did stray from his script, here's the transcript of Scott Brown's acceptance speech, prepared remarks, January 19, 2010:

SCOTT BROWN: Thank you very much. I’ll bet they can hear all this cheering down in Washington, D.C.

And I hope they’re paying close attention, because tonight the independent voice of Massachusetts has spoken.

From the Berkshires to Boston, from Springfield to Cape Cod, the voters of this Commonwealth defied the odds and the experts. And tonight, the independent majority has delivered a great victory.

I thank the people of Massachusetts for electing me as your next United States senator.

Every day I hold this office, I will give all that is in me to serve you well and make you proud.

Most of all, I will remember that while the honor is mine, this Senate seat belongs to no one person and no political party - and as I have said before, and you said loud and clear today, it is the people’s seat.

Interim Senator Paul Kirk has completed his work as a senator by appointment of the governor, and for the work he has done, I thank him. The people, by their votes, have now filled the office themselves, and I am ready to go to Washington without delay.

I also want to thank Martha Coakley for her call of congratulations. A hard contest is now behind us, and now we must come together as a Commonwealth.

This special election came about because we lost someone very dear to Massachusetts, and to America. Senator Ted Kennedy was a tireless and big-hearted public servant, and for most of my lifetime was a force like no other in this state. His name will always command the affection and respect by the people of Massachusetts, and the same goes for his wife Vicki. There’s no replacing a man like that, but tonight I honor his memory, and I pledge my very best to be a worthy successor.

I said at the very beginning, when I sat down at the dinner table with my family, that win or lose we would run a race which would make us all proud. I kept my word and we ran a clean, issues oriented, upbeat campaign - and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

When I first started running, I asked for a lot of help, because I knew it was going to be me against the machine. I was wrong, it was all of us against the machine. And after tonight we have shown everyone that - now - you are the machine.

I'm glad my mom and dad, brothers, sisters, and so many family members are here tonight.

Once again, before I go any further, I want to introduce somebody very special... That is my wife, Gail.

And as you know, my wife Gail couldn't join me on the campaign trail because of her work as a Boston TV journalist. But I will let you in on a little secret. She didn't stay neutral today, and she voted for the winner. I rely as always, on Gail's love and support and that of our beautiful daughters.

Arianna will be returning a day or two late to her pre-med studies at Syracuse, because she’s been giving her all to this campaign. As always, Arianna and her sister Ayla have been a joy to Gail and me, and we're so grateful to them both. Even before her campaign performances, millions of Americans had already heard Ayla’s amazing voice on “American Idol.” As Boston College basketball fans know, she’s also pretty good on the court.

If the President thinks they’ve got basketball talent at the White House, I ask him to pick his best teammate and find some time to play two-on-two with Ayla and me.

I’m grateful to all those from across Massachusetts who came through for me even when I was a long shot. I especially thank a friend who was there with encouragement from the very beginning, and helped show us the way to victory - former Governor Mitt Romney.

I’ll never forget the help of another man who took the time to meet with me months ago - who told me I could win, and gave me confidence for the fight. It was all so characteristic of a truly great and heroic American, and tonight I thank my new colleague, Senator John McCain.

On a night like this, when so many people mark your name on a statewide ballot, you think back to the first people who gave you a chance and believed. For the trust they placed in me, and for all they have taught me, I thank my neighbors and friends in my Senate district and especially my hometown of Wrentham. The cause and victory that all America has seen tonight started right there with all of you.

Let me tell you when I first got the feeling something big was happening in this campaign. It was when I was driving along and spotted a handmade, Scott Brown yard sign that I hadn’t actually put there myself.

This little campaign of ours was destined for greater things than any of us knew, and the message went far beyond the name on the sign.

It all started with me, my truck, and a few dedicated volunteers. It ended with Air Force One making an emergency run to Logan. I didn't mind when President Obama came here and criticized me - that happens in campaigns. But when he criticized my truck, that's where I draw the line.

We had the machine scared and scrambling, and for them it is just the beginning of an election year filled with surprises. They will be challenged again and again across this country. When there’s trouble in Massachusetts, there’s trouble everywhere - and now they know it.

In every corner of our state, I met with people, looked them in the eye, shook their hand, and asked them for their vote. I didn’t worry about their party affiliation, and they didn’t worry about mine. It was simply shared conviction that brought us all together.

One thing is clear, voters do not want the trillion-dollar health care bill that is being forced on the American people.

This bill is not being debated openly and fairly. It will raise taxes, hurt Medicare, destroy jobs, and run our nation deeper into debt. It is not in the interest of our state or country - we can do better.

When in Washington, I will work in the Senate with Democrats and Republicans to reform health care in an open and honest way. No more closed-door meetings or back room deals by an out of touch party leadership. No more hiding costs, concealing taxes, collaborating with special interests, and leaving more trillions in debt for our children to pay.

In health care, we need to start fresh, work together, and do the job right. Once again, we can do better.

I will work in the Senate to put government back on the side of people who create jobs, and the millions of people who need jobs - and as President John F. Kennedy taught us, that starts with an across the board tax cut for individuals and businesses that will create jobs and stimulate the economy. It's that simple!

I will work in the Senate to defend our nation’s interests and to keep our military second to none. As a lieutenant colonel and 30-year member of the Army National Guard, I will keep faith with all who serve, and get our veterans all the benefits they deserve.

And let me say this, with respect to those who wish to harm us, I believe that our Constitution and laws exist to protect this nation - they do not grant rights and privileges to enemies in wartime. In dealing with terrorists, our tax dollars should pay for weapons to stop them, not lawyers to defend them.

Raising taxes, taking over our health care, and giving new rights to terrorists is the wrong agenda for our country. What I've heard again and again on the campaign trail, is that our political leaders have grown aloof from the people, impatient with dissent, and comfortable in the back room making deals. And we can do better.

They thought you were on board with all of their ambitions. They thought they owned your vote. They thought they couldn’t lose. But tonight, you and you and you have set them straight.

Across this country, we are united by basic convictions that need only to be clearly stated to win a majority. If anyone still doubts that, in the election season just beginning, let them look to Massachusetts.

Fellow citizens, what happened in this election can happen all over America. We are witnesses, you and I, to the truth that ideals, hard work, and strength of heart can overcome any political machine. We ran a campaign never to be forgotten, and led a cause that deserved and received all that we could give it.

And now, because of your independence, and your trust, I will hold for a time the seat once filled by patriots from John Quincy Adams to John F. Kennedy and his brother Ted. As I proudly take up the duty you have given me, I promise to do my best for Massachusetts and America every time the roll is called.

I go to Washington as the representative of no faction or interest, answering only to my conscience and to the people. I’ve got a lot to learn in the Senate, but I know who I am and I know who I serve.

I’m Scott Brown, I'm from Wrentham, I drive a truck, and I am nobody’s senator but yours.

Thank you very much.

"I am nobody's senator but yours."

That sounds familiar. Herb Kohl has used that line forever.

Of course, in Kohl's case, it's a reference to his money. In Brown's case, it's a sincere pledge to be the voice of the people he represents.

The most newsworthy statement that Brown made in the speech was about being seated.

He said:

I spoke to interim Sen. Paul Kirk and he has completed his work as the senator. I spoke to Sen. Kirk and he was very gracious. He said that he would help in the transition. He welcomes me as soon as I can get there. And I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart. I want to thank him. I want to thank him very much. The people, as you know, by their votes, have now filled the office themselves and I'm ready to go to Washington without delay....

Brown is clear that he intends to get to work immediately in Washington. He's putting the Dems on notice. He won't tolerate being obstructed by their attempts to keep him from being seated. The Massachusetts voters also won't tolerate it.

Brown Wins, America Wins!

YES WE CAN!!!

From the Associated Press:

In an epic upset in liberal Massachusetts, Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in a U.S. Senate election Tuesday that left President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in doubt and marred the end of his first year in office.

The loss by the once-favored Coakley for the seat that the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy held for nearly half a century signaled big political problems for the president's party this fall when House, Senate and gubernatorial candidates are on the ballot nationwide.

More immediately, Brown will become the 41st Republican in the 100-member Senate, which could allow the GOP to block the president's health care legislation and the rest of Obama's agenda. Democrats needed Coakley to win for a 60th vote to thwart Republican filibusters.

Thank you, Massachusetts!

Hope and change! I love it!

Welcome to Waterloo!

Boston Globe Declares Coakley Winner

UPDATE: Boston Globe: In stunning upset, Scott Brown wins US Senate in Mass.
___________________

This is a major "Oops!" moment for the Boston Globe.

The Boston Globe posted a map online giving the FINAL results of today's special election.

The problem: THE POLLS DON'T CLOSE FOR ABOUT 8 HOURS!

Carly Carioli writes:

Boston.com briefly put up this map of the final results of today's election -- some 8 hours before polls closed!

As you can see, over 2 million people voted, with Coakley eking out a 50-49 victory.

The map was fully interactive, so you could roll over and get town-by-town results -- above we show Coakley taking Cohasset 56-43.

They took the map down shortly after I pointed it out on Twitter. But not before we Phoenix troublemakers got the screen shots!

Now, if the final numbers end up matching these, the Republicans may really have reason to question the integrity of the process...

If a conservative media outlet did the same thing but gave the final results in favor of a Republican, the Democrats would go absolutely ballistic.

Keith Olbermann would be fuming. Chris Matthews would be spewing unprecedented amounts of spittle.

Here are the screen shots from the "Phoenix troublemakers":





Priceless!

Isabel Melendez, Absentee Ballots in Massachusetts

Of course, desperate Democrats are willing to cheat to win an election.

Is the Pope Catholic?

From Jim Geraghty:

Hmmm. Why is "Isabel Melendez" handing out blank absentee ballots in Massachusetts?

I can't help but notice that there's an Isabel Melendez, who is a Democratic community activist who ran for mayor of Lawrence in 2001.

Video.


No one should be handing out blank absentee ballots in Massachusetts today.

The deadline has passed.

Due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday, the deadline to apply for absentee ballots for the January 19, 2010 special election for US Senate is 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 15.

What is Melendez doing?

Is she working alone?

Sally Quinn and Scott Brown

Sally Quinn of the Washington Post is nuts.

She argued that Scott Brown is having success running against Martha Coakley because he's a "hunk."

How goofy!

Is that why Curt Schilling supports him, Sally?

Video.



Transcript

BILL O'REILLY: Would you believe that President Obama -- and Karl Rove doesn't believe that President Obama's gonna be that hurt that much, I do -- What do you think, Ms. Quinn?

SALLY QUINN: I don't think he will be that hurt. And I do agree with you. I think it's a very bold thing for him to go up there and take the chance that, uh, that uh, Coakley may lose and still invest that much of his own reputation, uh, on the election. But I think that there are a number of factors here. It's not as black and white as it may seem.

First of all, Scott Brown is a hunk. And I think that the fact that he posed semi-nude in a magazine gave him a huge advantage in terms of public recognition.

O'REILLY: Well, wasn't that when he was one year old, one or two years old, one of those baby pictures? Come on. Come on, Ms. Quinn, you can't sit there and tell me the guy does this in 1982 for Cosmo and this gives him a huge advantage in 2010. When does the statute of limitations run out on bellybuttons? I mean, when does that happen?

QUINN: Did I criticize him? No.

O'REILLY: You said it gives him an advantage that he posed in some dopey magazine in '82!? Come on.

QUINN: I'm simply saying that... name recognition. Name recognition, that's all. It made him a recognizable public figure which he was not before. And also a lot of women think he's really cute.

Oh my God. I think Sally Quinn has morphed into Snooki from Jersey Shore.

It's idiotic for Quinn to suggest that Brown has name recognition from a silly 1982 photo and that has propelled him into a position to be elected to the U.S. Senate.

Moreover, I find Quinn's comments to be sexist. First, she insults Brown by referring to him in such a superficial manner. Then, she shamelessly insults the intelligence of women by insinuating that they would cast their votes based on Brown's appearance rather than his policies.

The stuff that Leftists like Quinn say can be so inappropriate and degrading sometimes. They are hardly the enlightened ones they make themselves out to be.

Curt Schilling for Scott Brown

Contrary to what Martha Coakley had to say, Curt Schilling is not a Yankee fan.

Schilling himself made that clear at a Scott Brown rally on Sunday.

Video.



From WCVB:

Republican Scott Brown tapped into New England's love of its sports teams to rally voter support in his race for Senate.

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher and World Series champion Curt Schilling and former Boston College and NFL quarterback Doug Flutie appeared with Brown at a rally Sunday in Worcester.

Brown is seeking to build on momentum from polls showing the race to fill the late Edward Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat too close to call. His rally took place just moments before President Barack Obama arrived in Boston to campaign for Democrat Martha Coakley.

More than 2,000 supporters filled Mechanics Hall in Worcester, chanting "U.S.A." and "Shame on Martha" as Brown thanked them for their backing, took a few jabs at Obama and Coakley, and urged supporters to get out to the polls on election day.

...Flutie likened Brown's late surge in the polls and his chance of victory to Flutie's famed Hail Mary pass to beat Miami in 1984.

Schilling said the energy in the auditorium was similar to a locker room before a decisive match.

"There's one thing left, we need to play the game," he said. "We have to go out and vote."

Brown also was joined by a celebrity from closer to home, his daughter Ayla, a former contestant on "American Idol."

Also at the rally stumping for Brown were John Ratzenberger (Cliff from Cheers), comedian Lenny Clarke, and Fred Smerlas and Steve DeOssie, former football players for Boston College and the New England Patriots.

It was great when Schilling said, "One more thing-- For the record, I am not a Yankee fan."

Brown really is generating excitement and rallying his supporters. He's connecting with the people. Meanwhile, Martha Coakley is making blunder after blunder and Obama coming in to campaign for her seems like a desperation move.

From former Republican Governor Paul Cellucci:

“Many people in Massachusetts are not happy with what’s happening in Washington,” Cellucci told NewsCenter 5’s Kimberly Bookman. “I think President Obama coming in actually helps Scott Brown.”

Here's the transcript of Brown's remarks at the rally in Worcester, as prepared for delivery.

Excerpts

As you know, Curt Schilling made the news just a couple of days ago when my opponent didn’t recognize his name. Of all the many false accusations she’s made in this campaign, one of the strangest was to call Curt Schilling a Yankee fan. Let me properly identify the guy she’s been smearing on the radio: His name is Curt Schilling, formerly of the World Champion Red Sox - you know, a baseball team that plays at Fenway Park.

Doug Flutie, what can I say, great guy, great career, and I am proud you are here. John Ratzenberger, a wonderful actor, you brought a lot of laughs to us during your many years with Cheers. Fred and Steve, you are legends and good friends. Ayla, thank you for again sharing your beautiful voice. Millions have seen her on national TV, and going through this campaign I’ve got an idea of what Ayla went through on “American Idol.” She had to deal with Simon Cowell, and I had to deal with David Gergen.

Our campaign is going strong, and the finish line is in sight. The day of decision is almost here. The whole nation is watching, but the choice on Election Day belongs to you and no one else. Friends and fellow citizens, I’m Scott Brown, I’m from Wrentham, I drive a truck and I’m asking for your vote.

When we started this campaign just a few months ago, the political machine wrote us off. A Senate seat in Massachusetts, we were told, was already spoken for – and this special election was just a minor detail that wouldn’t get in the way. The political machine already had a short-term placeholder in the Senate. Now all they needed was a long-term placeholder, and everything had been arranged.

Well, there was just one little problem with that plan – the independent-thinking people of Massachusetts wanted a real choice, and they – and you -- have made this a real contest.

The voters are doing their own thinking, and the machine politicians don’t quite know how to react. So they put in a distress call to Washington, and the next thing you know, Air Force One is landing at Logan.

My first response is very simple: Democrat or Republican, the president of the United States is always welcome in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Brown certainly is in command. His message is resonating with the people.

It's hard to believe that this hunger for change and this opposition to the liberal agenda under Obama is happening in Massachusetts.

The fact that Brown could actually win has to be panicking Democrats all over the country.

What a difference a year makes!

Obama: Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, January 17

This was stunning, a very rare event.

Obama went to church this Sunday.
Amazing!
Obama didn't interrupt his Hawaiian vacation to attend church services on Christmas.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, he painted himself as a faithful, church-going man. He touted himself as a 20-year member of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Of course, his pastor and mentor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, became a political liability for him so he cut ties with that church.

Since then, the First Family has barely attended any church services. Even on Christmas Day, they couldn't be interrupted to celebrate the holy day recognizing the blessed birth of Jesus Christ.

Today, however, Obama managed to make it to church. He took his family with him.

Why?

Politics.

He wasn't there to worship God or instill faith in his daughters. He was there to campaign for his health care bill and attempt to draw parallels between himself and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From FOX News:

As Democratic fears increase that health insurance reform could slip away with a crucial vote for a new U.S. senator in Massachusetts, President Obama on Sunday used a church pulpit at a Martin Luther King Day service to say the massive health bill would be a victory for "decency."

Speaking to congregants at Vermont Avenue Baptist church in Washington, D.C., before heading north to rally for Attorney General Martha Coakley, Obama said the legislation will help more than 30 million Americans, "men women and children, mothers and fathers" to get insurance.

"This will be a victory not for Democrats," Obama said. "It will be a victory for dignity and decency, and for our common humanity. It will be a victory for the United States of America."

It was the president's first visit to a church in Washington, D.C., since Oct. 11, though the White House says Obama attends the Evergreen Chapel in Camp David when he visits the presidential retreat in rural Maryland.

Democrats are working furiously to reach an agreement on the massive bill as they watch closely the prospect of Coakley losing the seat held by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy to Republican Scott Brown. Brown has pledged to be the 41st vote against health insurance reforms. The election is Tuesday.

Too bad Obama wasn't at Camp David on Christmas. Maybe he would have taken his young daughters to the Evergreen Chapel instead of skipping Christmas services altogether. Too bad.

I guess it was just too inconvenient to find a church in Hawaii. So many golf courses, so little time.

From the Boston Globe:

President Barack Obama on Sunday recalled the work of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as he urged those packing a Baptist church to take heart in hard times and celebrate progress -- however small.

On the eve of the federal holiday marking King's birth, the first African-American president said he learned -- as did the civil rights leader -- to rely on his faith even as he felt the "sting of criticism" during his first year as president.

Obama pointed specifically to his attempts to move the country out of the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression while pressing for an overhaul of the health care system.

Speaking at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, founded in 1866 by former slaves, Obama called King and those who fought with him for civil rights the "Moses generation." He exhorted parishioners -- those he termed the "Joshua generation" -- to "get back to basics" as Americans faced the challenges of a "new age."

The president was headed to Boston in support of the Senate candidacy of state Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is in a tight race for the seat of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Her defeat would upend the Democrat's 60-vote majority in the Senate, making it impossible to overcome a filibuster that could kill hard-fought health care legislation.

In his remarks at the Washington church, Obama reflected on the difficulties he has faced in pushing key elements of his legislative agenda through Congress and the periodic distractions that have arisen from remarks about his race.

Referring to the "post-racial" and "post-partisan" shift in the country that many observers predicted would flow from his inauguration a year ago, he said, "That didn't work out so well."

Obama was accompanied to the church by first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia.

King himself spoke in 1956 at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, located just over a mile north of the White House.

This is political posturing.

Obama, Michelle, and their daughters show up at church for a POLITICAL appearance, but they don't attend a church otherwise.

Shameless photo op.
_______________

UPDATE, January 29, 2010:

From ABC News: "Holy BlackBerry! Obama Finds Ways to Keep the Faith During First Year in Office"

If church attendance is one measure of a man's faith, then President Obama may appear to have lost some of his. The first family, once regular churchgoers, have publicly attended services in Washington just three times in the past year, by ABC News' count, even bypassing the pews on Christmas Day.

Obama quit Chicago's embattled Trinity United Church of Christ months before taking office in 2008 and has not formally joined a new one in his new hometown.

But sources familiar with the president's personal life say Obama remains a faithful Christian while in the White House, practicing his beliefs regularly in private with family and the aid of his BlackBerry.

...Obama told ABC Nightline's Terry Moran that his personal BlackBerry, which he famously fought with the Secret Service to keep, has actually become a tool of keeping the faith during his first year in office.

"My Faith and Neighborhood Initiatives director, Joshua DuBois, he has a devotional that he sends to me on my BlackBerry every day," Obama said. "That's how I start my morning. You know, he's got a passage, Scripture, in some cases quotes from other faiths to reflect on."

Do Obama's daughters also receive a daily devotional on a BlackBerry?

Scott Brown Leads Martha Coakley

"Well, with all due respect, it's not the Kennedys' seat, and it's not the Democrats' seat. It's the people's seat."

--Scott Brown

The people of Massachusetts seem to be in agreement with Scott Brown.

Democrats don't own Ted Kennedy's former seat in the Senate. There's nothing automatic about filling the seat. This isn't some sort of entitlement program. It's an election. Voters get to choose their next senator.

Brown, the Republican, has come from behind to overtake Democrat Martha Coakley.

From the Boston Herald:

Riding a wave of opposition to Democratic health-care reform, GOP upstart Scott Brown is leading in the U.S. Senate race, raising the odds of a historic upset that would reverberate all the way to the White House, a new poll shows.

Although Brown’s 4-point lead over Democrat Martha Coakley is within the Suffolk University/7News survey’s margin of error, the underdog’s position at the top of the results stunned even pollster David Paleologos.

“It’s a Brown-out,” said Paleologos, director of Suffolk’s Political Research Center. “It’s a massive change in the political landscape.”

The poll shows Brown, a state senator from Wrentham, besting Coakley, the state’s attorney general, by 50 percent to 46 percent, the first major survey to show Brown in the lead. Unenrolled long-shot Joseph L. Kennedy, an information technology executive with no relation to the famous family, gets 3 percent of the vote. Only 1 percent of voters were undecided.

Paleologos said bellweather models show high numbers of independent voters turning out on election day, which benefits Brown, who has 65 percent of that bloc compared to Coakley’s 30 percent. Kennedy earns just 3 percent of the independent vote, and 1 percent are undecided.

Given the 4.4-point margin of error, the poll shows Coakley could win the race, Paleologos said. But if Brown’s momentum holds, he is poised to succeed the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy - and to halt health-care reform, the issue the late senator dubbed “the cause of my life.”

Yet even in the bluest state, it appears Kennedy’s quest for universal health care has fallen out of favor, with 51 percent of voters saying they oppose the “national near-universal health-care package” and 61 percent saying they believe the government cannot afford to pay for it.

The times they are a-changing.

Martha Coakley: Catholics 'Shouldn't Work in Emergency Rooms'

Martha Coakley thinks that Catholics probably shouldn't be working in hospital emergency rooms.

During an interview yesterday with Ken Pittman, Coakley expressed her reservations about Catholics filling those positions.

KEN PITTMAN: Health care-- Would you pass a health care bill that had a conscientious objector toward certain procedures, including abortion?

MARTHA COAKLEY: It would... I don't believe that would be included in the health care bill. I don't understand exactly what the... I would not pass a bill as Scott Brown's filed amendment to say that if people believe that they don't want to provide services that are required under the law and under Roe v. Wade that they can individually decide to not follow the law. The answer to that question is no.

PITTMAN: OK. So a service...

COAKLEY: And let's be clear, 'cause Scott Brown filed an amendment to the bill in Massachusetts that would say that hospital and emergency room personnel could deny emergency contraception to a woman who came in who'd been raped.

PITTMAN: Right. If you are a Catholic and you believe what the Pope teaches, you know, that any form of birth control is a sin, and you don't want to do that...

COAKLEY: I know, but we have a separation of church and state here, Ken. Let's be clear.

PITTMAN: Yeah but in the emergency room, you still have your religious freedom.

COAKLEY: Uh, well, um, eh, the, the law says that people are allowed to have that. And so then if you... you can have religious freedom. You probably shouldn't work in the emergency room.

Coakley doesn't get it.

A conscience clause being in place doesn't mean a woman would be denied the sort of treatment she's seeking. It protects health care workers with moral objections to certain procedures from having to violate their beliefs. Patients could be treated by someone without those objections. We're not talking about the denial of services to patients. We're talking about protecting the rights of health care workers.

Coakley believes that people working in emergency rooms should be required to perform all procedures, even if they find them morally objectionable, or get out of the profession.

That's an extreme position.

Catholic doctors and nurses must participate in abortions if they want to keep their jobs?

Coakley is really saying that Catholics need not apply.

Audio.

Martha Coakley and Keith Winfield - Child Rapist

Gary Hewson, Big Journalism, is doing a series revealing "Martha's Greatest Hits: The Things the Democrats Would Like You to Forget About Candidate Coakley."

Hewson writes that the first of Coakley's greatest hits exposes her "inexplicable and appalling lack of judgment."

It's an understatement to call Coakley's lack of judgment "appalling." Her lack of judgment is jaw-dropping disgusting.

1. October 2005: The curling-iron toddler rape case. Coakley brings no charges, then lets the rapist out on no bail.

“I’ve been a cop for over 26 years and this is one of the most — if not the most — horrific cases I’ve ever seen.” Police Detective Sgt. Barry Campbell

Even in a place like Boston, which has seen its share of horrific sex crimes in recent years, such as the Jeffrey Curley rape and murder in 1997, this was particularly unsettling. Meet Keith Winfield, child rapist:

From the Boston Globe:

Some saw Coakley as lax on ’05 rape case

In October 2005, a Somerville police officer living in Melrose raped his 23-month-old niece with a hot object, most likely a curling iron.

Keith Winfield, then 31, told police he was alone with the toddler that day and made additional statements that would ultimately be used to convict him.

But in the aftermath of the crime, a Middlesex County grand jury overseen by Martha Coakley, then the district attorney, investigated without taking action.

It was only after the toddler’s mother filed applications for criminal complaints that Coakley won grand jury indictments charging rape and assault and battery.

Even then, nearly 10 months after the crime, Coakley’s office recommended that Winfield be released on personal recognizance, with no cash bail. He remained free until December 2007, when Coakley’s successor as district attorney won a conviction and two life terms.

Coakley, now the Democratic candidate for US Senate, has made much of her record prosecuting crimes against children, and says her office handled this investigation appropriately. But the case stands out as one in which she drew criticism for not being aggressive enough. Indeed, the case gave rise to Coakley’s last competitive election.

Hewson concludes:

After Coakley’s foot-dragging, Winfield eventually was found guilty on all four charges of the August 2006 indictment: two counts of rape of a child with force, one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. He was sentenced to two life terms

So let’s be clear: Martha Coakley failed to take action against a man who molested his own niece, a child, with a curling iron until her hand was finally forced by the victim’s mother.

This is a positively horrific story.

I can't believe that Massachusetts voters would want to send someone like Coakley to represent them in Washington.

Scott Brown and David Gergen

David Gergen didn't seem like the moderator of last night's debate between U.S. Senate candidates Scott Brown and Martha Coakley.

He seemed like a Democrat operative.

Brown responded to an emotionally charged question from an emotionally charged Gergen with tremendous poise.

Robert Costa, NRO's "The Corner," offers this analysis:

Brown’s words hit at the heart of the question that’s driving this special-election campaign: Will Massachusetts' vote be based on its past or on its future?

That is the question.

Debate transcript, from NewsBusters:

SCOTT BROWN: It's not going to be the Senate bill, as you know its in conference committee now, it's going to come out, the bill is going to be a compromise, and the bottom line is, regardless of what version comes out, this bill is not good for Massachusetts. It's going to cost us jobs. It's going to cost us very real jobs at a time when we cannot afford it.

DAVID GERGEN: Mr. Brown, let me ask you this question, it's on a lot of people's minds. You said you're for health care reform, just not this bill. We know from the Clinton experience that if this bill fails, it could well be another 15 years before we see health care reform efforts in Washington. Are you willing under those circumstances to say, 'I'm going to be the person. I'm going to sit in Teddy Kennedy's seat and I'm going to be the person who's going to block it for another 15 years'?

SCOTT BROWN: Well with all due respect its not the Kennedys' seat, and its not the Democrats' seat, it's the people's seat. And they have the chance to send somebody down there who is an independent voter, and an independent thinker and going to look out for the best interests of the people of Massachusetts. And the way that this bill is configured, I'd like to send it back to the drawing board because I believe people should have insurance. Not just this particular bill because it's not good for the entire country. You're talking about another trillion dollars in costs, a half a trillion dollars in Medicare cuts, military people, if you're veterans, you're going to have cuts in Tricare, and it's not good. We need to go back to the drawing board. Nobody has confidence in this bill right now.

Video.