(AP) Republicans are basking in the afterglow of an epic upset that turned the political world on its head.  Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to win the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Edward Kennedy, leaving President Obama’s health care overhaul in doubt and marring the end of his first year in office.

Today, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky declared the Democrats' ambitious remake of the health care system dead.

Asked if the bill, as currently written, is dead, he responded: 

"I sure hope so."

McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the special Senate election in Massachusetts and Senator-elect Brown.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Harry Reid says Senate Democrats will press ahead with President Barack Obama's health care overhaul despite the loss.

Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, Reid offered a list of Senate accomplishments last year, from the Cash for Clunkers program to expanding national service programs. He said in the coming year, the Senate would ensure all Americans affordable health care.

Reid acknowledged Tuesday's election loss, but urged Republicans and Democrats to work together as partners, not partisans. He said he has reached out to newly elected Republican Scott Brown.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said voters in Massachusetts made it clear that the American people don't want the government taking over their health care.

Senator McConnell discussed Scott Brown's victory on Fox and Friends. 

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Neil Middleton
WYMT Mountain News
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