There is a 3rd Candidate on the Ballot in Mass - his last name is Kennedy

[BeatleBoot]

Now it all makes sense.

Oldest trick in the book.

The independent has a last name of Kennedy, splitting Coakley's vote.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2009/12/18/this_kennedy_wants_to_cut_government/

[Orrex]

1. But he's Libertarian, isn't he?

Anyone who votes for him on purpose will likely have come from Brown's side of the aisle.

Though you're absolutely right about the "name thing."

[virgogal]

2. Never happen----everyone knew who he was.

[ddeclue]

3. Not necessarily - he's a Libertarian who may also be taking votes from Libertarianish Republicans.

[geek_sabre]

4. if he gets more than 2%, i'd be suspicious

I think people to challenged to know that ted kennedy isn't running won't make it out their own front door.

[Dr.Phool]

8. looks like he's running at about 1%.

But Brown is still over 52%, so far.

[brooklynite]

5. Unrec'd for laziness...

Kennedy has been in the race as long as Coakley and is polling about 6%. How does this explain her losing a 25% lead?

[BeatleBoot]

6. Lazy is

anonymously posting on websites all day.

I've been working elections since '71 (all for Dems) and I've seen this same thing happen time and again.

So take your "laziness" comment and...well, you know...

[brooklynite]

7. I've worked on political campaign since 1968...

Some have been won, but most have been lost. What I've learned over time is 1) not to mix my political hopes and dreams with my view of reality, and 2) to recognize when a candidate is running a lousy campaign.

That being said, my objection to the OP was not the opinion (which I'd be happy to disagree with rather than unrec), but the fact that the posting offered no evidence either of Republican complicity or of voter stupidity that would justify the assertion.