Some, including — at times — this newspaper, have been puzzled by Coakley's generally matter-of-fact demeanor. We'd welcome a touch of Kennedy-esque passion. But, throughout her career, Coakley has demonstrated exceptionally good instincts for being on the right side of issues, even when that means ignoring the party line. She has used the attorney general's office aggressively in the pursuit of justice, in the broadest sense of the word: by pursuing discriminatory lenders, challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, suing deceptive drug companies, and pressuring the Environmental Protection Agency to act on greenhouse gases.
Much has been made in this campaign about the importance of the 60th Democratic vote for Senate cloture to pass the health-care bill that Ted Kennedy championed. And that is important. But equally important decisions await the next senator from Massachusetts. For those who wrestle with these challenges, Massachusetts needs someone with demonstrated judgment and clear principles. Martha Coakley is that candidate. The Phoenix endorses her election on January 19 and urges our readers to vote.
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