Massachusetts: Election Day

U.S. Sen. John Kerry's trouncing of Republican challenger Jeff Beatty left some questioning what it would take for a Republican to run successfully in a statewide race.

Analysts told PolitickerMA.com there's still the possibility of a Republican senator from Massachusetts, but to have a legitimate shot, a candidate from the state's minority party would need to stand on a strong, well-communicated platform.

U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy said late Tuesday night that Americans embraced Democratic president-elect Barack Obama's call for change.

"Today, Americans spoke loud and clear and demanded change by electing Barack Obama as our next President," the Hyannis Port Democrat said in a statement. "They understood his vision of a fairer and more just America and embraced it. They heard his call for a new generation of Americans to participate in government and were inspired. They believed that change is possible and voted to be part of America's future."

Gov. Deval Patrick said Tuesday night that he is looking forward to working with President-elect Barack Obama, his close friend.

"I congratulate Barack Obama and Joe Biden on this historic and inspiring victory, and thank them for restoring hope to American civic life," the Milton Democrat said in a statement. "I look forward to working closely with them to heal and strengthen our nation, and to move forward our commonwealth's agenda on schools, jobs and civic engagement."

State Rep. Tom Conroy said Tuesday night that voters in Middlesex's 13th District responded to his positive campaign in his race against former state Rep. Susan Pope.

With all precincts in the district reporting, Conroy beat Pope, who he also defeated in 2006, 59 percent to 41 percent.