Manchester, N.H. — Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown has embarked on his “Main Streets and Living Rooms” tour of New Hampshire as he continues to toy with the idea of running for Senate in the state. He is currently touring New Hampshire, speaking to residents and small businesses and visiting to “listen to them and learn of their concerns”. While he still hasn’t completely committed to launching a campaign, he has the media in New Hampshire and across the country assuming he will try to win over the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. Brown’s presence in New Hampshire has been met with resistance from grassroots conservatives who are doubtful of his sincerity in his potential new bid for Senate.
Brown’s reputation as somewhat of an outsider in New Hampshire is not the only issue bothering voters. During one of his several stops, he made an off-the-cuff statement to The Associated Press that has riled New Hampshire residents:
“Do I have the best credentials? Probably not. ‘Cause, you know, whatever.”
Although he followed up on that by saying that he has “long and strong ties to the state”, Brown’s statement could be considered glib and nearly apathetic, and it’s unlikely that grassroots voters are going to let it slide. He already faces concerns with conservatives who are aware of his record for being less than supportive of the Second Amendment; he supports a federal ban of assault weapons and expressed opposition to concealed carry reciprocity in Massachusetts. Those issues alone are enough to make the Republican primary a challenge for him. But his “whatever” statement leaves him even more vulnerable to criticism from voters who are undecided.
