New Hampshire’s newest candidate for senate, Scott Brown, has built a reputation for having a unique campaign style.
He is known for driving his truck to campaign events and his casual language used during interviews.
Brown stated in an Associated Press interview, “Do I have the best credentials? Probably not. ‘Cause you know, whatever. But I have long and strong ties to the state. People know.”
Keene State College students responded to Brown’s casual nature with mixed reviews.
AP Photo:
Scott Brown in his pick-up truck, which many students recognize him for in Tilton, N.H.
Keene State College senior Caitlyn Boyle said, “I think that he should definitely be more professional, but that’s kind of who he is. He drives a truck. It is kind of nice that he sounds more human that way, but at the same time I think he should be a little bit professional, especially in a state where there are a lot of democrats.”
Ryan Greelis, a KSC athletic training major, stated, “I like that he is honest. There is no B.S.”
Maggie Buckley, a sophomore nursing student, said, “‘So whatever’ just does not sound very official. I think he should reword what he says a little more.”
However Chair of the KSC Republicans, Allison Bedell, disagreed with the perception that Brown is “unofficial”.
“I think that it’s almost refreshing to have a candidate for political office that is more casual and more themselves. I think there is a difference between being casual and non-professional,” stated Bedell.
According to State Representative Cindy Rosenwald in a N.H. Democratic Party Press Release, Brown has also made it clear that if elected, he plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act legislation which would also unravel the recent Medicaid expansion in N.H.
Bedell said that voters will not see Brown’s stance on healthcare as a hurdle.
She explained, “We have seen the beginnings of healthcare rollout and I think there are a lot of uncertainties, especially for small business owners who have heard a lot of things and seen some issues both in enrollment and logistical planning for it. Unknowns that potentially can be costly are never a friendly thing for small business.”
Rosenwald commented on the healthcare hurdle, “Scott Brown says repealing Obamacare is his top priority. That means taking health care coverage from thousands of people in New Hampshire is his top priority. Repealing the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion would be painful for the people of New Hampshire. If Scott Brown cares about New Hampshire, he should tell people here what his repeal of Obamacare would really mean — the loss of affordable care for thousands.”
Greelis also disagreed with repealing the ACA. As an athletic trainer, he said he would lose clients if they were not covered.
“People need healthcare,” Greelis stated.
Brown moved into his vacation home in Rye, N.H., in December 2013, according to Steve Peoples from the Associated Press. Brown made the move to run for senate and attempt to secure another Republican seat. Currently, Congress is six seats shy of a Republican majority.
David Walsh can be contacted at dwalsh@keene-equinox.com