(AP) — Edward Kennedy's widow, Vicki Kennedy, has made a TV commercial championing the Democratic candidate running to fill his Senate seat.

The last-minute appeal on behalf of Martha Coakley underscores Democratic worries about losing the race.

The Democrats must hang on to the Kennedy seat to maintain the 60-vote margin they need to pass President Barack Obama's overhaul of health care despite Republican opposition.

Last week, Coakley said she thought it would be impossible for Kennedy to tape an ad on her behalf, given the short time before Tuesday's election.

Republican Scott Brown is claiming momentum, and state and national Democrats are now rallying behind Coakley.

Businessman Joseph L. Kennedy — no relation to the senator — is also seeking the seat as an independent.

President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.  Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez

Inside look at NUMC's aging infrastructure President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.  Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez

Inside look at NUMC's aging infrastructure President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

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