6: 32 p.m.: I’m set up in the ballroom where the Scott Brown campaign will be holding their election night party, and am happy to report the wi-fi is working just fine. What to watch for tonight? There won’t be any exit polls, so people will be counting the ballots the old-fashioned way. It could be a very late night. Or maybe not. Strategists for both parties tell me to watch the early returns from places like Lowell, and the white sections of Boston. These are the kinds of places that Coakley needs to carry big.
6:55 p.m.: Not a good sign, however, when the recriminations start before the polls close.
7:12 p.m.: Brown (and Romney) adviser Eric Fehrnstrom says also keep an eye on Quincy. He recalls that when Romney lost there narrowly in 2002, he knew he had won the governor’s race.
7:15 p.m.: Polls close in 45 minutes.
7:29 p.m.: How do you know you are at a Republican event? Diet Pepsi at the Brown election night party is $5. And they don’t even give you the can.
7:52 p.m.: Eight minutes until the polls close. Mitt Romney doing TV interviews on the press riser at the Brown election night party. Many alums from his presidential campaign are in evidence.
8:19 p.m.: Flutie Brothers Band is playing the Brown election night party. Doug’s on drums. As a journalist, I’m glad to see anyone find a second career these days.
9 p.m.: Brown campaign saying he’s 57,000 votes ahead, with 52% of the vote in.
9:02 p.m.: Mass counts its ballots fast. 57% in; Brown is up 78,425.
9:20 p.m.: Boston Globe reporting Coakley has conceded.