Massachusetts election could unhinge health care

WASHINGTON -- Democrats prepared for the worst and hoped for the best as the fate of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul hung on the outcome of a special Massachusetts election that was too close to call.

Health care was at the top of the agenda Tuesday for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who scheduled meetings with her top lieutenants and the full Democratic caucus.

If GOP state Sen. Scott Brown defeats Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley in Tuesday's election, it would put the seat held by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in the hands of a committed opponent of the bill. It would deprive Democrats of the 60-vote majority needed to pass health care in the Senate. After over a year of trying to produce signature legislation, Democrats would have no good options.