The 'ifs' of the Massachusetts election Could fears over healthcare reform lose the Democrats what should be a very safe seat? And could that cost Obama the bill? There's no doubt healthcare has become the main issue in the election of the Massachusetts senate seat, left vacant by the death of Teddy Kennedy. It would be a grievous blow for Obama if this seat went Republican for the first time since JFK took it for the Democrats in 1953: especially as the result will come on the eve of the anniversary of his inauguration next week. You'll notice there are a lot of "ifs" in this piece. I don't actually think they will lose the seat, but there is an awful lot at stake. On the face of it, the well-known Democratic can...