Coakley Counts On Union Muscle To Win Senate Race

Democrat Martha Coakley is counting on union muscle to help her win Tuesday's U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts.

She kicked off the final weekend of campaigning Saturday with a stop at an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers hall in Boston to encourage a group of canvassers.

Coakley was joined by Sen. Edward Kennedy's widow, Vicki.

Vicki Kennedy, whose husband died in August of brain cancer, said he relied on labor during his own tight race in 1994. She said Coakley needs labor's help to help her get out the vote.

Coakley's in a dead heat with Republican Scott Brown.

Independent Joseph L. Kennedy — who's unrelated to Kennedy's famed political family — is also running.

Meanwhille, Brown is criticizing the White House plan to tax banks that received federal bailout money.

At a rally in Quincy, Brown said the tax would be passed on to ordinary consumers through higher service and ATM fees. President Obama says banks are paying out big bonuses now so they also can afford to pay the tax.

Coakley supports the bank tax. Brown told supporters it was one of taxes she would impose if she's elected to succeed the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

Brown appeared before supporters with former Republican Gov. Bill Weld. Weld endorsed Mr. Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.