Boston mayor: Coakley opponents want Obama to fail

(AP) — Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has told a largely black congregation that if Democrat Martha Coakley loses the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts, it will be a victory for people who want President Barack Obama to fail.

Coakley, who's Massachusetts' attorney general, is in a tight race against Republican Scott Brown. The special election Tuesday is being held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Menino appeared with Coakley at a Sunday morning prayer service in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Coakley praised Obama for trying to lead the nation to a brighter future. Menino was more blunt. He said a Brown victory would imperil Obama's agenda.

Obama is coming to Boston to campaign with Coakley on Sunday afternoon.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

DORCHESTER, Mass. (AP) — Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has told a largely black congregation that if Democrat Martha Coakley loses the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts, it will be a victory for people who want President Barack Obama to fail.

Coakley, who's Massachusetts' attorney general, is in a tight race against Republican Scott Brown. The special election Tuesday is being held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Menino appeared with Coakley at a Sunday morning prayer service in Boston for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Coakley praised Obama for trying to lead the nation to a brighter future. Menino was more blunt. He said a Brown victory would imperil Obama's agenda.

Obama is coming to Boston to campaign with Coakley on Sunday afternoon.