BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ top election official says it could take weeks to certify the results of next week’s Senate special election, a delay that could help President Barack Obama pass his health care bill if the Republican wins.
Obama’s health overhaul needs 60 Senate votes to pass, including 48 Democrats and two Independents. Interim Massachusetts Sen. Paul Kirk, a Democrat, would vote for the overhaul. Republican Scott Brown has said he would vote to kill it. Democrat Martha Coakley and independent candidate Joseph L. Kennedy are also running in Tuesday’s election.
Secretary of State William Galvin says state law gives cities and towns up to 15 days to certify their results.
Democrats hope to get the overhaul passed before Obama’s State of the Union address, perhaps in early February.
