Topic: Michael Capuano

No Ben Affleck? That's OK, Massachusetts Senate race still poised to be big.

If John Kerry's seat needs to be filled next year, it will be the fourth time Massachusetts voters have chosen Senate candidates in a six-year period. Actor-director Ben Affleck said Monday he won't run.

Decoder Wire
Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.

The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.

Barney Frank exit may signal the end of glory days for Mass. Democrats

Barney Frank will not seek re-election in 2012, but will there be enough Democratic fire power left in Massachusetts after he's gone?

Opinion: If Obama can bomb Libya, a President Palin can bomb Iran without Congress's OK

President Obama's bombing of Libya without congressional authorization or debate puts us on a dangerous path. A minimum standard for transparency in government is that the House and the Senate go on the record for or against a new war.

Robert Reich
Want real financial reform for Wall Street? Do this.

Senator Lincoln wants to stop big banks' risky derivative trades from being subsidized by taxpayers. Here's how to keep her measure in the financial reform bill.

Geithner: abandoning Fannie Mae not a solution to mortgage crisis

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Tuesday that the mortgage crisis will not lead the administration either to abandon or nationalize mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Coakley: ‘Yes’ to health reform bill, even with abortion limits

Democrat Martha Coakley, vying for Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat, issues a tepid endorsement of the Senate health care reform bill backed Monday by all 58 Democratic and two Independent senators. During the primary campaign, she had balked at restrictions on abortion funding.

Massachusetts' top lawyer poised to replace Ted Kennedy

Martha Coakley won the Democratic primary Tuesday in the race to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. If she succeeds in the general election, she will be the first woman senator for Massachusetts.

Far-left Democrats rule race for Kennedy’s Senate seat

Each of the four Democratic candidates tends to skew pretty far left, and many likely voters are dedicated Democrats as well. Massachusetts holds its primary in the race for Kennedy’s Senate seat on Tuesday.

Candidates for Kennedy's Senate seat try to carry his mantle

For three of the four candidates in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, the temptation to try to position themselves as heir to the Kennedy legacy has proved too sweet to resist.

Massachusetts' would-be senators roil healthcare abortion debate

The race to fill the US Senate seat vacated by the death of Edward Kennedy is complicating the healthcare reform debate. The top two contenders won't vote for a bill if it limits access to abortion.

Patrick Kennedy communion clash reveals split in Catholic church

Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Sunday that he is being barred from taking communion because he favors abortion rights. The disagreement points to broader tensions in the Catholic church regarding abortion measures in the healthcare reform bill.

Massachusetts House OKs allowing a 'temp' to fill Kennedy seat

Bill approved Thursday permits the governor to appoint an interim senator until the special election. Action moves to Senate, where delay is likely.

With Joe Kennedy out, Senate race wide open

With no Kennedy in the running, expect a crowded Democratic field.

Kennedy's Senate seat: How much money do contenders need?

Most of the potential Democratic candidates have more than $1 million available. But for those who officially enter the race, more fundraising may be necessary.

The Vote
Schilling as senator? Don't count on it.

The Vote
Martha Coakley will vie for Ted Kennedy's senate seat

'Should a Senate vacancy occur,' who might replace Kennedy?

The ailing senator is thinking about his succession. The likely candidates can be divided into Kennedys and non-Kennedys.

Opinion: A test of ethics for Congress

The House won't police itself. That's why it needs an independent panel to investigate claims of wrongdoing.