Republican candidate Scott Brown outlined the differences between himself and the Democrat incumbent, Senator Jeanne Shaheen prior to this evenings first of three debates. Brown has been rising in the polls, and he feels that he is gaining momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Many assume that the biggest reason for Brown’s improved chances in the election is voter dissatisfaction with the president and Senator Shaheen’s record of support of the Obama agenda. For instance, Brown blames the recent increased energy costs on Shaheen’s support of green energy policies of increased taxes and regulations being placed on energy producers. Brown is against the carbon tax and favors an all of the above approach to increasing supply in order to meet our energy needs. Another developing issue which has boosted the Brown campaign would be increased voter concerns with security issues like controlling our borders and immigration policies. Brown is for enhanced control of our borders and against amnesty for illegal immigrants. He also immediately favored a travel ban to stop the spread of Ebola. He reminded the voters that when Jeanne Shaheen was first running for senator, she promised to be an independent voice for New Hampshire. However, she has voted 99% time in lock step with President Obama. Brown cited that Shaheen supported the Universal Care Act (Obamacare) and even wrote to the IRS to investigate conservative groups.
When Scott Brown was asked about the depth of his knowledge of New Hampshire issues due to his recently moving here from Massachusetts. He addressed the “carpetbagger issue” by explaining that he was born in Portsmouth, NH and lived there until age three; he has family roots going back to before the American Revolution in Newington, NH; and he and his wife have owned property and paid taxes in New Hampshire for almost 25 years. He also countered that Jeanne Shaheen has a 0% rating by the National Bureau of Independent Business compared to his rating of 94%. Brown contends that it will be small businesses being unburdened by government regulation that will cure our stagnant economy.
