The former holder of Senator Massachusetts Senate seat Ted Kennedy is replaced by Scott Brown. Brown has beaten his Democratic challenger Martha Coakley 52-47 percent.

The Democrats have lost filibuster-proof majority. The loss in Massachusetts puts President Barack Obama’s health care proposal and other initiatives in jeopardy.

Independent voters were the deciding factor. Brown told his supporters at a victory rally. This is the first time a Republican has held a Senate seat in the Bay State since 1972.