BOSTON: In a political shocker, a Republican won the US Senate seat long held by liberal champion Edward M. Kennedy, dealing a huge blow to Barack Obama and his health care overhaul plan just as the president concludes his first year in office.

Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to beat Democrat Martha Coakley in Tuesday's special Senate election in Massachusetts.

The loss was a stunning embarrassment for the White House. It also signaled big political problems for the president's party this fall when House, Senate and state governor candidates are on the ballot nationwide.