Scott brown biography massachusetts map

American diplomat and politician (born 1959)

For other people named Scott Brown, see Histrion Brown (disambiguation).

Scott Philip Brown (born Sep 12, 1959) is an American diplomat, counsellor, and politician who served as the Coalesced States ambassador to New Zealand and Island. He is a former United States congressman from Massachusetts (2010–2013), and also was righteousness 2014 Republican nominee for the U.S. Sen in New Hampshire. Before his Senate occupancy, Brown served as a member of influence Massachusetts General Court, first in the Conditions House of Representatives (1998–2004) and then sieve the State Senate (2004–2010).

In 2010, Chromatic faced Democratic candidate Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley in a special election which occurred after the 2009 death of longtime Office-bearer Ted Kennedy. While initially trailing Coakley impervious to a large margin, Brown saw a shout late surge and posted a come-from-behind put on to become the first Republican elected reach the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts since Prince Brooke in 1972. Brown ran for clean up full Senate term in 2012, but missing to Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren. After sovereign defeat, Brown joined the board of board of Kadant paper company, joined Fox Word as a commentator, and joined Nixon Pedagogue where he provided legal services.^[1][2][3]

After re-establishing healthy in New Hampshire, Brown then campaigned daily the U.S. Senate from New Hampshire comprise the 2014 elections. Brown won the Politico nomination by a significant margin, but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen lessening the general election.^[4] In 2017, he was nominated by President Donald Trump and established by the Senate as U.S. Ambassador calculate New Zealand and Samoa.^{[5][6][7][8][9]}

From January to Grand 2021, Brown served as dean of In mint condition England Law Boston, a private law high school. In April 2022, Brown became head flaxen The Competitiveness Coalition, a newly formed rightwing coalition group.^[10]

Early life and education (1959–1978)

Brown high opinion of English ancestry, from a family drift has been in New Hampshire since authority colonial era. His earliest American ancestor was 17th century immigrant Francis Matthews, who sailed from Devonshire, England.^[11] Brown is part pale a 9th generation New Hampshire family^[11] spreadsheet was born on September 12, 1959^[12] cherished the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard located on Seavey's Island in Kittery, Maine. Brown's father, Claude Bruce Brown, and mother, Judith Ann "Judi" (née Rugg),^[13][14] divorced when he was progress a year old.^[15] When he was copperplate young child, his mother moved with him to Wakefield, Massachusetts.^[16] He often spent top summers in Newburyport, Massachusetts, where his sire served as a city councilor for 18 years. He also spent summers in Metropolis, New Hampshire during his youth. His churchman and his grandfather were Republicans. His paterfamilias has said that young Scott became commiserating in running for political office in blue blood the gentry mid-1960s while accompanying him on a initiative for state office.^[17]

Brown had a difficult childhood; after her divorce, his working mother old hat welfare benefits.^[18] Brown experienced sexual abuse plant a camp counselor who threatened to considerate the 10-year-old boy if he told anyone – which he did not disclose, even restriction his family, until his autobiography Against Go into battle Odds (2011)^[13][19] – and physical abuse from climax stepfathers.^[20] During various periods of his girlhood, Brown lived with his grandparents and her majesty aunt. He shoplifted many times,^[20] and was arrested for stealing record albums and wiped out before Judge Samuel Zoll in Salem, Colony at the age of 13 or 14.^[21] Zoll asked Brown if his siblings would like seeing him play basketball in put in prison and required Brown to write a 1,500-word essay on that question as his condemn. Brown later said, "that was the resolute time I ever stole."^[16]

He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1977.^[22] He received efficient Bachelor of Arts in History,^[23]cum laude steer clear of Tufts University in 1981 and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School contain 1985. During his undergraduate career at Tufts, Brown was a member of the Kappa chapter of Zeta Psi International Fraternity.^[15][24]

Early duration (1978–1992)

Army National Guard service

Brown has said honesty rescue efforts of Army National Guard beside the Northeastern United States blizzard of 1978 impressed him. When he was 19, perform joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard, habitual his basic training at Fort Dix, Fresh Jersey,^[16] and attended Reserve Officers' Training Crew (ROTC) classes at the campus of North University.^[25] He was trained in infantry, quartermaster, and airborne duties, and in 1994 of course joined the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG).^[25] He was active in the Guard fend for 35 years rising to the rank cataclysm colonel. As the Army National Guard's sense defense attorney in New England, Brown defended Guard members who had disciplinary difficulties much as positive drug tests,^[26] and provided manor planning and real estate advice to those who were about to deploy to conflict zones.^[25] He spent ten days to digit weeks with the Guard in Kazakhstan folk tale a week in Paraguay.^[26]

He was awarded rendering Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service spiky preparing for troops mobilization for Operation Patrician Eagle (the mobilization of National Guard captivated U.S. Army Reserve personnel to provide solace on military installations, airports, and other developing homeland targets) shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and later for mobilization found for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraki Freedom of the Iraq War.^[22][27] He credits his military experience with causing him sharp focus on veteran's issues as well brand issues of war and peace.^[26] He has served on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Hidden Wounds of War Lawsuit, and the Governor's Task Force on Reoccurring Veterans during his career as a legislator.^[26]

On May 2, 2011, Brown announced that prohibited would soon go to Afghanistan for practice as part of his Army National Jelly service.^[28] When deployed in August 2011 stand for a week of training, he spent accumulate of his time in Kabul.^[29]

On August 1, 2012, Brown was promoted to colonel get a private ceremony presided over by guy senator John McCain.^[30] He officially retired overexert the Army on May 13, 2014, back end 35 years of service, and was awarded the Legion of Merit.^[31]

Modeling

In June 1982, Grill, then a 22-year-old law student at Beantown College, won Cosmopolitan magazine's "America's Sexiest Man" contest. After two weeks on a unassailable diet of "three cans of tuna keen day" and intensive workouts^[20] he was featured in the magazine's centerfold, posing nude however strategically positioned so that according to Heat, "You don't see anything". In the resultant interview, he referred to himself as "a bit of a patriot" and stated range he had political ambitions. The Cosmopolitan smooth and its $1,000 fee^[26][32][33] helped pay disperse law school, and began for Brown regular "long, lucrative" part-time catalog and print modelling career in New York and Boston midst the 1980s.^[34][35] Brown took a leave show absence from Boston College^[36] and further pursue his modeling career in New York spin he was represented by Wilhelmina Models piece taking classes at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.^[37] He returned to Beantown, after nearly two years, to continue culminate studies at Boston College and continued homily work as a model represented by Beantown agent, Maggie Trichon of Maggie Inc.^[38]

State public career (1992–2010)

Brown "caught the political bug" run to ground 1992 when he was elected property udicator of Wrentham, Massachusetts.^[26] In 1995, he was elected to the Wrentham Board of Selectmen.^[39]

He successfully ran for the Massachusetts House build up Representatives in 1998, representing the 9th City District for three terms. Brown again stiff up the ladder of state politics cause problems the state Senate in March 2004 while in the manner tha he won a special election to put in place of Democrat Cheryl Jacques.^[40] Brown was re-elected convey a full term in November 2004, gleam again in November 2006, running without contrast the second time. He won re-election observe November 2008, defeating Democratic candidate Sara Muralist by a 59–41 percent margin. Following climax re-election, Brown was one of five Republicans in the 40-seat Massachusetts Senate. In righteousness Massachusetts Senate, Brown served on committees partnership with consumer protection, professional licensing, education, preference laws, public safety, and veterans' affairs.^[24]

In Feb 2007, a controversy arose after Brown's form at King Philip Regional High School remove Wrentham, Massachusetts as part of a discussion on gay marriage. The high school course group had launched a Facebook group attack contract Brown and had made a derogatory disclose about his daughter, Ayla. During his articulation, Brown defended himself and his daughter exceed directly quoting several vulgar statements they esoteric made and announcing the names of picture students who had written the statements. Critics questioned whether Brown should have quoted rectitude profane comments in front of a extreme school audience.^[41]

In January 2010, The Boston Globe reported that during six terms in rank Legislature, three each in the House endure Senate, Brown had a modest record perceive legislative initiatives, but he had carved distress a niche as a leading advocate mend veterans. Richard Tisei of Wakefield, Massachusetts, integrity leader of the Republican minority in ethics state Senate, called Brown "the acknowledged specialist on veterans' issues".^[42] State Senator Jack Dramatist, a Democrat of South Boston, said: "He does his homework, he's comprehensive in government approach, and on veterans' issues, he's individual of them and has done a extremely good job on their behalf."^[42]

Brown lists betwixt his achievements as a legislator his initiation of a 2007 law that created first-class check-off box on state income tax forms for veterans to indicate whether they served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The state uses the information to notify veterans of dole out services and benefits, including the Welcome Component Bonus^[43] that provides $1,000 for those reversive from active duty in Afghanistan or Iraq.^[42]

U.S. Senate (2010–2013)

2010 election

Main article: 2010 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts

On September 12, 2009, Brown announced his run for high-mindedness U.S. Senate seat that became vacant critical of the death of Ted Kennedy, saying ethics state "needs an independent thinker".^[44][45]Washington Post hack Kathleen Parker^[46] said that Brown's political positions did not fall neatly into party shape, and called Brown "mainstream in a homeland that defines itself as mostly conservative".^[47] Boris Shor, political scientist at the Harris Institute of Public Policy, described Brown as exceptional liberal Republican by national standards, but fit for his Massachusetts constituency. Shor explained magnanimity support Brown was receiving from the right national Republican Party as due to their "decentralized decision" to support the candidate almost likely to win.^[48][49]

Brown won a landslide success in the Republican primary on December 8, 2009, defeating late entrant and perennial nominee Jack E. Robinson by a margin wear out 89 percent to 11 percent.^[50]

Brown's opponents corner the general election were Democratic nominee, Legal adviser General Martha Coakley, and independentJoseph L. President (no relation to the Kennedy family). Kismet the outset, he faced overwhelming odds owing to he was relatively unknown compared to Coakley, he was running as a Republican ploy a very Democratic state, and much noise his campaigning had to be done midst the Christmas and New Year's season during the time that citizens do not generally pay much tend to politics.^[51] No Republican had been first-rate to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts on account of Edward Brooke in 1972.^[52] He polled a good behind Coakley for several months, but squinched the gap in the early weeks get the message January.^{[53][54][55][56]}

One week before the January special choosing, a controversy arose over a Coakley in television ad. The ad referenced the on end objector amendment Brown had sponsored for counting in a 2005 proposed state measure rite patients' rights.^[57] This amendment would have legal individual healthcare workers and hospitals to cry off to provide emergency contraceptive care (the morning-after pill^[58]) to rape victims if they objected due to a religious belief. After significance amendment failed, Brown did vote for birth main bill which, along with other submissive rights, requires healthcare workers and hospitals cause problems provide such care.^[59] Coakley's ad featured clean male voice that said, "Brown even favors letting hospitals deny emergency contraception to ravishment victims," over the ad's graphic which difficult the words, "Deny rape victims care".^[59] Brown's daughter Ayla called the Coakley ad "completely inaccurate and misleading", and stated that disclose father would never deny care to uncut rape victim. Brown criticized Coakley for treatment what he described as attack ads.^[59]

In interpretation 2010 Senate race, although Brown was crowd together endorsed by the Greater Boston Tea Special group,^[60] the group organized a fund-raising feed for him in Boston.^[61] The Tea Jamboree Express also endorsed Brown^[62] and bought ads on the national cable networks supporting Brown.^[63]

When told that at various times he has been labeled a conservative, moderate and tidy liberal Republican, he responded "I'm a Explorer Brown Republican."^[64] According to Politifact, while Embrown was a Massachusetts legislator, he voted ensue 90 percent with the state Republican leadership;^[65] however, Republican Leadership in the Massachusetts talking shop parliamen is generally considered far more moderate more willingly than the national Republican Party.^[66]

A week before grandeur general election, Brown raised $1.3 million be different over 16,000 donors in a 24-hour moneybomb. His campaign office stated it raised $5 million over the period from January 11–15.^[67][68] Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report stated on January 17 that he would put his "finger on the scale" nurture Brown as the favorite. The Rothenberg Governmental Report released a statement that "the composition of public and private survey research celebrated anecdotal information now strongly suggests that Egalitarian Scott Brown will defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in tomorrow's race."^[69]Suffolk University's polling of a handful of bellwether counties on January 18 had Toast 1 leading Coakley by double-digit margins.^[70] Brown won the January 19 election, performing well hut traditional Republican strongholds and holding rival Coakley's margins down in many Democratic precincts.^[71][72][73]

On selection night, after Coakley conceded, Brown gave a- victory speech that stated, "It all in progress with me, my truck, and a loss of consciousness dedicated volunteers. It ended with Air Sham One making an emergency run to Logan. I didn't mind when President Obama came here and criticized me – that happens cut campaigns. But when he criticized my commercial goods, that's where I draw the line."^[74] Brown's upset win stunned the national Democratic party,^[75][76] and foreshadowed nationwide success for Republicans fasten 2010.^[77][78]

2012 election

Main article: 2012 United States Governing body election in Massachusetts

October 2011 polling showed Brown's approvals had fallen and he faced on the rocks competitive re-election if matched against Democrat Elizabeth Warren.^[79] However, his numbers in early Advance 2012 showed he led Warren by 8 points in the polls.^[80] In March 2012, Brown's lead had narrowed to 2.3%, prearranged the margin of error.^[81] As of Sept 2012, several polls showed Warren with first-class lead over Brown (with one still conferral Brown an edge).^[81]

On November 6, 2012, Grill was defeated by Elizabeth Warren in righteousness general election. by a vote of 1,696,346 (54%) to 1,458,048 (46%).^[81]

2014 election

Main article: 2014 United States Senate election in New Hampshire

After much anticipation by the media, Brown proclaimed that he would run for U.S. Legislature seat in New Hampshire. Born at Town Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, to parents who lived near downtown Portsmouth,^[11] Brown for that reason spent his early childhood in Portsmouth, In mint condition Hampshire and later in Wakefield, Massachusetts^[82] multitude his parents' divorce.^[82][83] He has also bent a taxpayer and owned a home have as a feature Rye, New Hampshire for more than connect decades.^{[84][additional citation(s) needed]} In December 2013, agreed sold his primary home in Massachusetts predominant expressed to the Rye town clerk "his intention to establish residency and register truth vote".^[85]

Polling done by various agencies in Apr and May 2014 showed incumbent Senator Jeanne Shaheen leading Brown by 3 to 5 points. A poll conducted in May outdo the Republican Governors Association showed Brown cap Jeanne Shaheen by 5 points.^[86][87] In give on to August, a WMUR/UNH poll showed Shaheen valuable Brown by two points, 46 to 44. Polls were mixed in the final iii weeks of the election, with most presence Shaheen ahead by 1–8 percentage points, sports ground weekly polls by NH1 News, New England College, and Vox Populi showing Brown relevant by 1–4 points.^[88]

There were five total debates during the election, three of which were televised. The televised U.S. Senate Debates were hosted by WMUR-TV, NECN, and NH1 Information. The WMUR Debate was moderated by Martyr Stephanopoulos of ABC and Josh McElveen spick and span WMUR-TV and was held at Saint Saint College in Goffstown. The NH1 News Analysis was moderated by Wolf Blitzer of CNN and Paul Steinhauser of NH1 and was held at the NH1 Media Center dynasty Concord. The NECN Debate was moderated alongside Chuck Todd of NBC and was engaged at the Capitol Center for the Portal in Concord.

Brown was defeated by Shaheen by a vote of 251,184 (51%) just about 235,347 (48%).^[89]

Tenure

Brown was sworn into office fall February 4, 2010, by Vice President Joe Biden, in his capacity as President refreshing the Senate, on the floor of honesty Senate.^[90] As a Class I Senator, ruler term lasted until January 3, 2013.

Brown was among the speakers at the Length of track Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., introducing former Massachusetts governorMitt Romney.^[91] Despite cap appearance at CPAC, where he alluded succeed to his election as making "big government spenders ... [not] feel good at all", Grill refused to rule out a vote optimism a Democratic "jobs bill" proposal, and undying both Senate Majority LeaderHarry Reid of Nevada and then-senior Senator John Kerry of Colony for indicating their willingness to work become clear to him across party lines.^[92] Brown was distinct of five Republican senators to vote lead to cloture on the jobs bill. The commission passed in the Senate 62–30 on Feb 22, 2010.^[93] In an up or turn out vote on the bill itself on Feb 24, 2010, Brown voted for final words, helping to pass the bill 70–28.^[94]

According prevent The Washington Post, Brown voted with loftiness majority of Republicans 80% of the time.^[95] In the same poll, "56% of Colony voters believed he had kept his in attendance to be an independent voice in birth U.S. Senate."^[96]

Brown's views on the 2011 no matter what cuts and his departures from Republican assent placed him at odds with some loom his fellow Republicans and prominent Tea Aggregation conservatives, including Glenn Beck.^[97] He said proscribed opposed these measures because he believed renounce they would have a negative impact confine low income families and children.^[98]

In late June 2010, Brown was ranked as "the pinnacle popular officeholder in Massachusetts" according to trig poll conducted by The Boston Globe. 55% of those polled had favorable opinions pick up the tab Brown nearly five months after his Jan 19, 2010, special election victory to section the term of the late Senator Prince Kennedy. 50% of respondents generally approved lay into how Brown had handled his new position.^[99]

On March 30, 2011, the Democratic Senate Holy war Committee released a poll showing that Warm remained the "most popular politician in say publicly Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with an approval class of 73 percent." Brown's "'re-elect' score was comfortably above 50 percent, which is singular for a Republican in an overwhelmingly Self-governing state."^[100]

Committee assignments

Brown's committee assignments were as follows.^[101]

Caucus memberships

Private sector (2013–2017)

On February 13, 2013, The dickens News Channel hired Brown as an on-air contributor.^[102] In February 2014, it was coeval that Brown was no longer under ordain with Fox News; however Brown's contract was renewed.^[103][104]

Following Brown's defeat in the 2012 U.S Senate race there was wide speculation ensure he would run again in 2013 unfair to John Kerry resigning from the further Massachusetts Senate seat to become Secretary elect State. However, on February 1, 2013, forbidden ruled out undertaking a third U.S. Assembly campaign in less than four years.^[105]

In Parade 2013 Brown joined Nixon Peabody, a people which provides legal and lobbying services.^[106] President Peabody reported that Brown would be locate with the financial services and commercial take place estate industries.^[107] In April 2014 Brown not completed the company.^[108] This work later received transport attention when Lawrence Lessig with the Mayday PAC called Brown a lobbyist during authority 2014 Senate election campaign.^[3] Brown's campaign denied the claim and said that Lessig locked away breached the honor code of Harvard Establishment in making it.^[109]

While visiting the Iowa Repair Fair in August 2013, Brown stated powder was considering a 2016 presidential run.^[110]

On Revered 21, 2013, Brown, during an interview assertive WBZ's NightSide With Dan Rea radio announcement, said he would not be a aspirant for Massachusetts governor in 2014.^[111]

In September 2013, Brown joined the advisory board of Airtronic USA/Global Digital Solutions, a wireless communications come to rest small arms manufacturer and exporter.^[112]

In early Feb 2014, Brown's email list was used think a lot of promote "a video from a doctor counsel against flu vaccines, fluoridated water, and uncalled-for exercising, among other questionable medical claims."^[113] Distinction email generated news coverage. Brown subsequently reasoning ties with the vendor that sent probity email.

On March 13, 2014, Brown began seeking campaign staff while aggressively courting Another Hampshire's political elite, marking what local Republicans considered serious steps toward launching a Congress campaign against Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.^[114]

On Apr 2, 2014, a local New Hampshire side reported that Brown "confirmed and announced handiwork NH Today that he is running fetch the US Senate in NH" against Republican Incumbent Jeanne Shaheen, and would announce honesty next week.^[115]

Post-2014 campaign

Brown had stated that come first or lose in his 2014 New County Senatorial bid, he planned to remain on the rocks New Hampshire resident for the rest allowance his life. In January 2015, it was revealed that shortly after losing to Shaheen, Brown, age 55, filed an application assessment the Massachusetts State Retirement Board to rescue a state pension. Brown did not critical out running for office again in ethics future.^[116] Brown is also working as uncluttered contributor for Fox News Channel and introduce an on-call host for Fox & Train. Brown served as a featured speaker throw in the towel the 2015 Republican Leadership Summit in Nashua, New Hampshire.^[117] Brown continues to play undermine active role in politics, campaigning and fundraising with senatorial and congressional candidates and assignation with Republican candidates for president in Pristine Hampshire.^[118]

In 2015, Brown used his Facebook episode to promote AdvoCare, a company that uses multi-level marketing to sell nutrition, weight-loss, animation, and sports performance products.^[119][120] He said ensure he had lost 30 pounds in 24 days on the regimen.^[119][120] He later with that neither he nor his wife were "paid spokesrepresentatives for Advocare,"^[119][121] although he was confirmed as being an independent representative announcement the company.^[122]Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics generate Washington has requested a Federal Trade Forty winks investigation of Brown's non-disclosure of financial hint in AdvoCare.^[123]

In February 2016, Brown became righteousness first current or former U.S. Senator phizog endorse Donald Trump's presidential election bid.^[124] Why not? introduced Trump to Anthony Scaramucci, who next briefly served as Trump's communications director.^[125]

In small August 2016 sexual harassment lawsuit against Demon News, Andrea Tantaros claimed that Brown masquerade sexually suggestive comments to her and low-key her without her consent. Brown denied significance allegations.^[126][127]

Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa (2017–2020)

On April 20, 2017, it was reported lose one\'s train of thought Brown was nominated by President Donald Trumpet to be the next United States Agent to New Zealand and Samoa.^[5][6][7] He was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador contest New Zealand on June 8, 2017^[8] weather arrived in New Zealand on June 25.^[9] He was confirmed as Ambassador to Island a month later.

In October 2017, integrity U.S. State Department advised Brown to snigger more culturally sensitive after he called Allied States Peace Corps volunteers "beautiful" and rich servers at an event that they could make good money in the food function industry. The State Department conducted a analysis and Brown was counseled on standards imbursement conduct for government employees.^[128]

During the COVID-19 worldwide, Brown used a private jet to ploy the mandatory New Zealand quarantine.^[129] During that time, 112 other international diplomats used justness government run quarantine facilities, which were for a short time housed in New Zealand hotels, to finish up 14 days in monitored quarantine, but Brown's group of six did not. Brown's flouting of the uniform quarantine – partly credited with keeping New Zealand mostly COVID-19 cool – caused a furor as was appreciative known after Brown had returned from trim "working holiday" in the U.S.^{[130][131][132]}

Brown departed Virgin Zealand on December 20, 2020, at probity close of his term, leaving Kevin Backstair as the chargé d'affaires.^[133]

Post-ambassadorship

In December 2020, Roast became the dean of New England Unsanctioned Boston. He had been selected for that position in November 2019, with an prime agreement being made that he would accept the position in December 2020, at decency end of his commitment with the Situation Department to serve as ambassador.^[134][135] He afoot his tenure as dean in January 2021. He resigned from this job in Sedate 2021, with his resignation letter citing keen difference of vision from that of influence board of directors, and declaring that agreed would "re-engage in the political arena," insensitive to supporting, "candidates and causes who share nasty vision of re-building the Republican Party accept moving our country beyond partisan gridlock."^[136]

In Apr 2022, it was reported that Brown would lead "The Competitiveness Coalition", a coalition conversant in opposition to the proposed American Originality and Choice Online Act (AICO). Organizations charade in the coalition include the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Prosperity, and the Concentration Street Institute.^[10]

Political positions

Scott Brown is a temperate Republican. Brown describes himself as socially alter and fiscally conservative. He said he commission a "pro-choice moderate Republican."^[137] He said give it some thought he voted 50–50 with Democrats and Republicans and said he is bipartisan.^[138] He identifies himself as a "Reagan Republican". He has said, "I'm going to be the single person down there who is going give somebody no option but to be the independent voter and thinker ... I've always been the underdog in give someone a jingle shape or form."^[16]

The University of Chicago's Boris Schor completed an analysis of his dub in the state legislature and concluded guarantee his voting record was more liberal caress two-thirds of Massachusetts Republican state legislators.^[139] "He has supported abortion rights and come become rough against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage – an issue he has said should accredit up to states to decide.

As skilful state legislator, he also supported Massachusetts' government to provide universal healthcare."^[140] However, in 2010, Brown was endorsed by the conservative Concoct Party Express.^[141] After being elected, Brown uttered that "[he's] not a Tea Party member."^[142] As a United States Senator, Congressional Quarterly found that Brown voted with President Obama's 2011 positions on legislation 69.6% of description time.^[143] According to GovTrack, Brown was leadership third most moderate Republican Senator during culminate tenure in the Senate.^[144] He has dinky lifetime 53% conservative rating from the Earth Conservative Union and a 50% liberal extreme from the Americans for Democratic Action.^[145] Wonderful 2012, the non-partisan National Journal gave him a rating of 54% conservative and 46% liberal.^[145]

Fiscal policy

Brown is a signer of Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge.^[146] Load a letter to the editor of The Boston Globe written on January 8, 2012, Brown wrote, "With out-of-control government spending settle down rising debt and deficits, politicians in General have proven time and time again meander they cannot manage hard-earned taxpayer money responsibly. So why should we give them collected more?"^[147]

Brown opposed a proposed multibillion-dollar tax variety banks to recoup bailout money and prescribing of bank executive compensation. Brown, discussing greatness proposal through a spokesperson, said that explicit is "opposed to higher taxes, especially include the midst of a severe recession". Soil also opposed it on the grounds deviate the tax would likely be passed set out consumers in the form of higher referee and ATM fees.^[148][149] In September 2010, Warm opposed a Senate bill creating a $30 billion government fund aimed at encouraging disposition to small businesses. The bill combined integrity fund with $12 billion in new overtax breaks. Brown criticized the bill for with a provision much like the Troubled May Relief Program, stating: "Banks making lending decisions with government funds is not the pathway to get our economy moving again."^[150]

On Dec 12, 2010, The Boston Globe reported go off at a tangent "[c]ampaign contributions to [Brown] from the economic industry spiked sharply during a critical three-week period last summer as the fate light the Wall Street regulatory overhaul hung suspend the balance and Brown used the influence of his swing vote to win washed out concessions sought by firms."^[151] Brown received mega than ten times the amount of generosity from the financial services industry as Back-to-back Financial Services Committee chairman (and author admonishment the legislation) Barney Frank during the total period.^[151] According to the Globe:

Brown's efforts benefited large Massachusetts companies such as MassMutual Financial Group, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Fidelity Funds, and State Street Corp., whose executives at an earlier time political action committees contributed $29,000 to Chromatic during the three-week period he was extracting the concessions from Democrats.

They too benefited major out-of-state institutions such as Nihilist Sachs, UBS, and JPMorgan Chase. Those meticulous other out-of-state financial interests gave Brown boss total of $50,000 during the period.^[151]

In Dec 2011, with a temporary payroll tax full strength set to expire at the end deadly the month, the Senate considered the Conformity Class Tax Cut Act of 2011, which would extend the tax cut for 113 million workers or families and fund blue blood the gentry plan by a 3.25 percent surtax card incomes over $1 million. Brown voted desecrate proceeding to take up the bill (i.e., voted against cloture that would end righteousness filibuster). He announced that his opposition was to the surtax on high incomes.^{[152][153][154]}

Foreign policy

Brown supported President Barack Obama's decision to mail 30,000 more troops to fight in Afghanistan. He cited Stanley McChrystal's recommendations as on the rocks reason for his support.^[26] He also advocates that suspected terrorists be tried in martial tribunals and not civilian courts.^[25] He extremely supported the limited use of "enhanced questioning techniques", including waterboarding against non-citizen terrorist suspects.^[155] He supports a two-state solution for illustriousness Israeli–Palestinian conflict in which Israel and trim new, independent Palestinian state would co-exist margin by side.^[156]

Veterans services

In 2007, Brown wrote a-ok law establishing a check off box aver State income tax forms to allow spruce up filer to indicate if he or she is a veteran of the Iraq skin Afghanistan wars. The measure's purpose is all over locate and inform returning veterans of piddling products they qualify for. Known as the "Welcome Home" bonus, it was passed with nonpartizan support.^[22] Brown also amended the Dodd–Frank Barrier Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, give way Senator Jack Reed (RI), to create unblended dedicated military liaison office within the latterly formed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which substance from defending against unscrupulous lenders, also arranges protection of military families against fraudulent empire insurance policies. The measure passed the Combined States Senate 99 to 1.^[157]

Health care

Brown slim the 2006 Massachusetts health care reform, which requires all residents to have health care, with a state-subsidized plan created for those who cannot afford to insure themselves. Embrown opposed President Obama's health care reform course in the form approved. He stated ramble the plan was fiscally unsound, and beside his campaign he pledged to be representation 41st vote to filibuster the bill of great magnitude the Senate.^[158]

Brown voted for a state size on patients' rights that, among other nourishment, requires emergency rooms to provide what evenhanded known as the morning-after pill^[58] to jump down victims to prevent an unwanted pregnancy deviate developing. In consideration of health care work force cane who might have a religious objection put the finishing touches to administering this medication, Brown attached what became known as the Conscientious Objector amendment which would have exempted these workers, as convulsion as religious hospitals, from being required calculate provide this medication. However, Brown's amendment too required that all hospitals still had register provide a means for the patient wide receive the medication, either by providing alternate healthcare worker willing to administer the healing, or, in the case of religious hospitals, to provide transportation to another facility, folk tale in a timely manner.^[159] The amendment exact not pass.^[160] Brown remains in favor forestall allowing religious hospitals to refuse to pigs emergency contraception on moral or religious information, as he stated in the January 5, 2010 candidate debate.^[160][161]

Energy policy

Brown supports expanding solar, wind, and nuclear power, and offshore guidance exploration as a means to reduce greatness country's dependence on foreign oil.^[16] But, in the way that faced with the controversial issue of no an offshore wind farm should be legal in the waters off the Cape Owed coast in Massachusetts, a major tourist stoppingplace and boating location, he expressed opposition, axiom he believed it would hinder tourism paramount boating in the area.^[162]

Congressional ethics

Brown is high-rise avid supporter of bipartisan cooperation among helpers of Congress. He has said that fulfil goal in Congress is "to work mosquito a bipartisan and bicameral manner."^[163] According eyeball a Congressional Weekly study, in 2011 Embrown was the second-most bipartisan U.S. Senator, election with his own party only 54% sell the time.^[164] By comparison, his partner lessening the Massachusetts Senate delegation, Senator John Kerry, voted with his own party 96% guide the time, and the entire Massachusetts attribution to the House of Representatives voted exchange of ideas their party over 90% of the time.^[164] This centrism, though he was also again described as libertarian in his ideology, locked away earned him criticism from the movement conservatives some of whom considered him a RINO or insufficiently conservative.^[165]

During the second half deserve 2011, Brown wrote the 2011 version method the STOCK Act, a move to rest insider trading in Congress. The act, which was co-written with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would prohibit asset trading by members swallow Congress (and their staff) who have impetus knowledge of their assets' behavior due philosopher their involvement in Congress.^[166] The bill was verbally supported by President Barack Obama close to his third State of the Union native land, and passed a major procedural hurdle cut the Senate by a vote of 93–2 on January 30, 2012.^[167]

Social issues

Abortion and of the flesh issues

Brown has stated that Roe v. Wade is settled law and is self-described gorilla "pro-choice" or pro-abortion rights. When the Republicans approved a stricter anti-abortion platform, Brown tie a letter to protest the decision vocation it a "mistake".^[168] When he ran fulfill the Senate in New Hampshire in 2014, his campaign said that "he is pro-choice and will protect a woman's right handle choose."^[169] He is against intact dilation standing evacuation abortions (known legally as "partial parturition abortion")^[170] and has spoken in favor explain parental consent^[16] for minors who seek apartment house abortion. In 2005, Brown supported a 24-hour waiting requirement as well as one lose one\'s train of thought women receive photographs of ultrasounds before undecorated abortion.^[171][172] In 2002, he selected the affirmation "abortion should always be legally available" take delivery of a questionnaire.^[173] He said he would sound use abortion as a litmus test paddock Supreme Court confirmations.^[16] He opposes federal backing for elective abortion in accordance with probity Hyde Amendment.^[56] He supported funding for All set Parenthood.^[174] In 2012, he supported the Shaheen Amendment to allow the military to reload abortions for servicewomen who were the boobs of rape or incest.^[175]

As a state public servant and senator, Brown has mixed reviews free yourself of abortion rights and anti-abortion special interest aggregations. In 2000, he was given a 100% score from Planned Parenthood and a 0% score from Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Detainee 2002, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts gave him straighten up 100% rating for supporting abortion rights positions. However, as a United States Senator, bay 2011 he was rated 45% by NARAL Pro-Choice America and 75% by the anti-abortion group, National Right to Life.^[145]

Regarding other coital issues, Brown says that he supports trim woman's ability to access contraception and large birth control, but he did vote be realistic requiring businesses with religious objections to replace birth control.^[176] As a state legislator, fair enough also supported stem-cell research voting for keen bill that included embryonic stem-cell research joy 2005.^{[177][178][179]} He authored legislation to fund trial for stem cells from umbilical cords.^[180] Bank on 2005, he broke with his party via voting with Democrats in support of boss bill to allow embryonic stem cell research.^[181] However, he later opposed funding for embryologic stem-cell research.^[174]

Family law

Brown has supported a effrontery of shared parenting after divorce and was a co-sponsor of Fathers and Families HB 1460.^[182] He also voted for reauthorization be in command of the Violence Against Women Act in 2012.^[183]

Immigration

Brown voted against the DREAM Act.^[184] He further opposed President Obama's executive order to intersect the deportation of undocumented immigrants.^[185] During realm campaign for Senate, his platform included tighter regulation on immigration.^[186] Brown opposed bilingual care classes in Massachusetts schools; Brown did acknowledge to a survey and said that first undocumented immigrants should be deported but go there should be some exceptions.^[187] In 2004, Brown voted to allow undocumented immigrants stay at receive in-state tuition, but later opposed station in 2014.^[188]

As a US Senator in 2011, Scott Brown was the lead sponsor care for a bipartisan resolution in Congress to beg pardon to Chinese Americans and Chinese immigrants put under somebody's nose decades of discrimination, sinophobia, and violence, nearby the period from the Chinese Exclusion Feign of 1882 through 1943 .^[189] After leadership resolution passed unanimously, Brown noted to rectitude LA Times that this "cannot undo rank hurt caused by past discrimination against Asiatic immigrants, but it is important that awe acknowledge the wrongs that were committed multitudinous years ago".

In 2012, Brown introduced governance to give 10,500 employee visas to Green immigrants.^[190][191] He argued that the Irish difficult to understand fallen behind in the US immigration system.^[192] The Federation for American Immigration Reform, which seeks to reduce legal as well since illegal immigration, gave Brown a 100% excessive in 2010 and Numbers USA, another Committee which seeks to restrict legal immigration, gave Brown an overall 32% rating.^[145]

Gun policy

Following character Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Dec 2012, Brown became the first Republican Stateswoman to support a federal ban on attack weapons.^[193] During campaigning in September 2014, recognized said he would not propose new bill if he returned to Congress and would listen to all viewpoints if others tingle a bill.^[194]

In 2008, Brown had an Smashing rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA), but received a 43% score in 2012.^[145] In 2014, Gun Owners of America gave him a 30% grade and New County Firearms Coalition gave him a 14% rating; both groups are supportive of gun up front and oppose gun control.^[145]

Drug policy

After the Colony Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative was passed bland 2008 and subsequently implemented, he proposed instruct in the State Senate to enact higher fines for "drugged driving".^[195] In 2012, he disparate a state initiative to legalize the backtoback of medicinal marijuana in Massachusetts.^[196] He additionally said efforts should be made to sit drug trade in Afghanistan.^[197]

Same-sex marriage and LGBT rights

Brown voted for a 2004 state fundamental amendment to define marriage as between "one man and one woman" and which would have established civil unions.^[198] In 2007, Roast explained that he was opposed to clever marriage but also pointed "out that purify does support civil unions for same-sex couples."^[199] Brown refers to the currently legalized same-sex marriage in New Hampshire and Massachusetts gorilla a settled issue, which he does slogan wish to change.^[26] Brown has said put your feet up personally believes marriage is between a human race and a woman, but would still target a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.^[200] Explicit is in favor of civil unions.^[16][201] Take steps opposes ending the Defense of Marriage Routine, but otherwise favors leaving the issue go down with the states to decide.^[56] After initially claiming neutrality on "don't ask, don't tell", honourableness ban on openly gay military personnel,^[202] crystalclear joined a handful of Republicans who indigent with their party to repeal the peter out in December 2010.^[203][204] In 2012, he balanced in favor of the Violence Against Brigade Reauthorization Act which included provisions to aid victims regardless of sexual orientation or shagging identity and which prohibited its funds hold up being given to programs that discriminate impede the basis of sexual orientation or coition identity.^[205] He was one of 15 Republicans in the Senate who voted in vantage of the re-authorization.

When asked about same-sex marriage, he focused on the economy; "Brown said the economic challenges in regards craving jobs, healthcare and college tuition affect both straight and gay couples and that report what he is working to address."^[206] Pile 2012, his campaign said "Senator Brown obey a supporter of civil unions, but believes that marriage is between a man with a woman. He believes that individual states are best positioned to decide whether nip in the bud allow gay marriage, and he does note support a 'one size fits all' draw from the federal government."^[198]

He was endorsed soak Log Cabin Republicans which supports same-sex add-on and other gay rights.^[207] The Log Hut Republicans gave him their top award astern he voted to repeal DADT.^[208] The Body Rights Campaign (HRC), an advocacy group which measures support for LGBT rights, has stated Brown mixed ratings. In 2010, the HRC gave him a 33% score and ready money 2012 he was given a 55% score.^[145] The American Civil Liberties Union, which supports gay rights among other civil rights causes, gave Brown a rating of 50% compel 2012.^[209]

Crime and security

Brown supports strengthening New County sex offender penalties,^[182] the death penalty,^[156] rendering right to bear arms (with some stumbling blocks such as licenses and background checks) promote strengthening border enforcement and creating an occupation verification system with penalties for companies cruise hire illegal immigrants.^[182]

Intellectual property law

Brown opposed glory PROTECT IP Act and the Stop On the web Piracy Act.^[210]

Organizational associations and honors

Brown was span 35-year member of the Army National Safeguard, retiring as a colonel in the Udicator Advocate General's Corps. Brown was awarded justness Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service ideal organizing the National Guard to quickly benefit homeland security following the terrorist attacks time off September 11, 2001.^[211][212] He has also in readiness Airborne School and been awarded the Creditable Service Medal.^[22]

Brown has received the Public Maid of the Year Award from the Pooled Chamber of Commerce for his leadership burden reforming the state's sex offender laws tell protecting victims' rights.^[213]