by Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

A replacement has been named to hold the Massachusetts senate seat of the late Edward Kennedy.  Paul Kirk, longtime Kennedy family friend and adviser, will hold the seat until a special election is held on January 19, 2010.

In its 220-year history, Massachusetts has never sent a woman to serve in the United States Senate.  In a male-dominated field of three Democrats and one Republican, Massachusetts Attorney General, Martha Coakley is poised to make history.  With just 17 women currently in the Senate, a Coakley victory would reaffirm Senator Edward Kennedy’s life’s work in pursuit of equal rights for women.

Breaking the glass ceiling is nothing new to Martha Coakley.  She became the first female attorney general in her state of Massachusetts by winning 73% of the vote. She has received the lion’s share of major state political endorsements in the Senate race, including the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, a dozen key labor unions, and womens’ pro-choice groups including Emily’s List.

Many state legislators serve as Coakley campaign staff, including Senate President Therese Murray as honorary Finance Chair.

Coakley shares several similarities with the late Edward Kennedy, including both being Roman Catholics and a life-long residents of Massachusetts.

With a primary election set for December 8^th, Coakley faces the challenge of raising funds in a short period of time against well-financed opponents.  Among the three Democrats she faces, Stephen Pagliuca, a private equity investor at Mitt Romney’s Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics has declared his candidacy.

A powerhouse of women are hosting a fundraising event for Coakley on September 30^th titled Women for Coakley Luncheon.  Emily’s List founder and president, Ellen Malcolm and Barbara Lee and hosting the luncheon that includes two dozen host committee members.  The luncheon will be held in Boston; for reservation information, contact mailto:[email protected].

For more information or to contribute to Martha Coakley, visit: http://www.marthacoakley.com/.