(NECN: Alison King, Boston, Mass.) - Health reform was a lifelong mission of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. Now one candidate seeking to replace him on Capitol Hill says he is the only one who would carry forth that mission as Kennedy would have.

"I believe unequivocal public support of health care legislation like the bill passed by the house is a minimum standard that voters have a right to demand from every candidate for this seat."

(NECN: Washington, DC) - In an emotional speech on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia thanked his Senate colleagues for their support as he set the record as the longest-serving Senator in United States history.

The 91-year-old Senator teared up as he noted, "My only regret is that my dear wife, Erma, is not here to enjoy this moment with me. But I know, yes I do, that she's looking down from Heaven and reminding me not to get a big head."

(NECN) - On the Braude Beat, a new push for the death penalty in Massachusetts. Broadside host Jim Braude has more on the new effort, and whether or not it stands a chance.

Attorney General Eric Holder was grilled on Capitol Hill today about his decision to try a 9/11 terror suspect in New York. Holder says if he is acquitted, he wouldn't be released in the USA.

Also, should Santa's be given priority access to the swine flu vaccine?

(NECN: Alison King) - Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca says it often in TV ads and on the campaign trail: He will not take money from PACs or lobbyists.

His critics say Pagliuca, a businessman said to be worth $400 million dollars -- doesn't need to take their money.

Pagliuca says it proves he will not be influenced by them.

Steve Pagliuca may not be taking lobbyist money for his campaign, but he has no problem with paying lobbyists when they're advocating on his -- or, in Pagliuca's case, on his company's behalf.

(NECN) - New England Cable News is pleased to announce that the four Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate have agreed to a live televised debate at NECN on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7 p.m. The debate is being sponsored by a consortium that includes NECN, the Boston Globe, WGBH and WBUR-FM. It will be carried live on television, radio and the internet, and will be moderated by R.D. Sahl of NECN.

The December 2nd debate will be the final debate of the campaign, before voters go to the polls for the Democratic and Republican primaries on December 8th.

(NECN) - David Plouffe, Barack Obama's campaign manager, and author of "The Audacity to Win", joins Jim Braude on Broadside.

Plouffe talks about Obama's presidential campaign, what made it successful, and how to maintain the "Obama magic" during his presidency.

He says the campaign rebounded from low moments on the campaign trail because they remained focused.

His advice to Obama right now would be to, "just focus on where you're going".

(NECN: Alison King) - For lawyer and businessman Jack E. Robinson, a recent stroll through downtown Brockton, Massachusetts was a chance to reconnect with business owners he hadn't seen since his 2006 bid for congress when Brockton was the site of his campaign headquarters.

Robinson, a Republican, lost that race to Democratic incumbent Stephen Lynch by 40-points.

But it was Robinson’s 2000 race that most Massachusetts political observers remember best. The year he took on Ted Kennedy.

(NECN) - Longtime Massachusetts state Auditor Joseph DeNucci will not seek re-election next year.

DeNucci says he spent his time in officer of being a "watchdog for the underdog". He says, "I just believe that you help people who need help."

DeNucci joins Jim Braude on Broadside to discuss his plans for the future.

(NECN: Jim Braude) - Did you catch the controversy over President Obama’s behavior when he met the emperor of Japan?

Yes, Obama bowed.

And, yes, he later shook the emperor's hand.

Some say the bow was out of place.

Some say it's okay to bow, but Obama went too low.

Some say the hand-grab afterwards made matters worse.

And I myself was in doubt until I heard that Dick Cheney jumped all over Obama for his behavior.

Because I don't remember Dick Cheney jumping all over president George W. Bush when he held hands with the Saudi prince.

(NECN) - On the Braude Beat, bullying at school. Massachusetts considers new laws to force schools to do more to prevent it. Are these new laws needed? Or should schools be able to handle it on their own?

Sarah Palin's interviewed with Barbara Walters aired this morning on ABC. Does she stay relevant beyond this book tour?

Broadside host Jim Braude has more.