Don't look now, but Republican Scott Brown leads Democrat Martha Coakley by one point, 48 to 47 percent, in Public Policy Polling's new poll of the January 19 special Senate election in Massachusetts. Brown is benefiting from depressed Democratic interest in the election and a huge lead among independents for his surprisingly strong standing. Those planning to vote in the special election only report having voted for Barack Obama in 2008 by a 16 point margin, in contrast to his actual 26 point victory in the state.