On Tuesday January 19, 2010, Massachusetts held a special election to fill the seat left vacant due to the passing of U.S Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy. Campaigning for this seat were Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley and Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown. In a historic election for Massachusetts, Sen. Brown became the first Republican United States Senator from Massachusetts in 30 years. In the days leading up to the election, Sen. Brown took a few moments away from the campaign trail for this interview.
LV: Sen. Brown, you have a long history of public service in Massachusetts-from Town Selectman and town Board of Assessors to State Rep. and State Senator- how has your experience prepared you for success in Washington?
SB: "Every office I have held has taught me something. Mostly dealing with people and finding ways to solve problems for people. I got involved in public service because, as simple as it may sound, I really do enjoy helping people, and finding solutions to problems."
LV: With so many issues currently facing the country--illegal immigrants, the economy, the war on terror, health care reform--If elected, how will you help to address these issues?
SB: "We would need 500 pages to begin to address those issues, but I have said all along, that I will look at each issue, and determine if it is good for Massachusetts, and then the country. All of those issues have serious implications for our economy and our standing in the world. There are no easy answers. If there were easy answers, then they would have been solved by now. We have to make tough decisions and keep in mind the future generations of our country."
LV: Complete this sentence: The Primary role of our elected officials is...
SB: "to serve the people."
LV: The most recent Rasmussen Report (Jan. 5, 2010) shows you trailing your opponent by 11 points while some polls show you up by one point. In a state as liberal as Massachusetts, how do you account for your success in keeping this a close race?
SB: "I have run an honest, issues oriented campaign, and talked about things that are important to people. The public is sick of politics. They want someone who is not going to sugar coat things, but is going to tell the truth. The people want that and deserve honesty and know we can do better. I believe that is why my message is resonating."
LV: I've noticed there is no party designation listed on your campaign website, yet you are the Republican MA State Senator and running as a Republican. How would you describe your political views?
SB: "I am a Scott Brown Republican. I really don’t spend too much time talking about ideology or partisan issues. I believe in common sense policies that affect all people, not just certain groups and elements of society."
LV: In a liberal state such as MA, does it surprise you that the Tea Party protests have created as much enthusiasm as they have?
SB: "A little bit. I really don’t know a lot about the Tea Party movement. I spoke at a couple of their rallies last year, but I hear that they are big around the rest of the country."
Leigh Vozzella - Homeschooling mom of four children; Board member of the Massachusetts Home Learning Association (www.mhla.org); former Publicity ...
