In Massachusetts: Turnout Is High

The unexpectedly close race for the US Senate seat held by the late Ted Kennedy is generating high turnout in Massachusetts. In theory, that bodes well for Democrat Martha Coakley, who has watched her lead over Republican Scott Brown evaporate in a matter of weeks: Democrats, who outnumber Republicans by a wide margin in the state, have traditionally done best at getting out the vote.

But Brown, riding a wave of disaffection with the Obama Administration, has whipped up fervent support in recent weeks and is counting on a large turnout among independents who might have skipped a quieter race.