ELECTION RAISED SSM/JUDICIARY QUESTIONS: From the Associated Press

Gov. Mitt Romney touted an apparent Republican victory in Tuesday's special state Senate election as a vote for GOP reform on Beacon Hill. Democrats downplayed it as one seat among 200 in the Legislature.

Republican state Rep. Scott Brown pulled out a narrow victory over Democrat Angus McQuilken by about 345 votes according to a tally released Wednesday by the Secretary of State's office. The numbers haven't been certified and McQuilken has said he may seek a re-count.

Still, Republican leaders were quick to herald the apparent win. ...

The election was held to replace former Democratic state Sen. Cheryl Jacques, a proponent of same-sex weddings who resigned to head the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay-rights organization.

The contest was seen in part as a referendum on gay marriage.

The Republican candidate, state Rep. Scott Brown, 44, opposes gay marriage but says he would support same-sex civil unions. The Democrat, Angus McQuilken, 34, is a strong supporter of marriage rights for gay couples and served as Jacques' chief of staff for 10 years.

McQuilken received campaign donations from gay rights activists while a Catholic group opposed to gay marriage sent out a flyer in the district, backing Brown.

But McQuilken said the contest had less to do with high-profile issues like gay marriage and more to do with bread and butter issues like schools and jobs.

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posted by Eve at 10:02 AM VOTE

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