Obama sticking to healthcare reform

The US White House is reporting that President Barack Obama plans to stick to his agenda including healthcare reforms, despite a shock defeat in a Massachusetts senate election.



Senior presidential adviser David Axelrod said while there will be a rethink on tactics, the substance of the policy will not change.



Republican Scott Brown, who won the seat, will be Massachusetts\' first Republican senator since 1972.



Republicans now have enough Senate votes to impede the president\'s plans.



Meanwhile, Mr Axelrod said the administration will take the defeat into account, but will continue to pursue its agenda.



Correspondents say it is a humiliating defeat for the Democrats and a deeply unwelcome anniversary present for President Obama coming exactly one year after his inauguration.