Why Scott Brown might run for governor, not Senate

[TroyD]

1/13/13

It’s not often an ex-senator gets a shot at his old job just months after losing. So Scott Brown is widely expected to jump at the chance, running in a special election for John Kerry’s seat that presumably will become vacant within weeks.

But there are compelling reasons for Brown to pass on what would be his third Senate campaign in four years — and he’s thinking long and hard about them.

Topping the list: In 2014, he could run instead for Massachusetts governor, a job that Republicans have had much more success winning and keeping, as Mitt Romney can attest.

Even if Brown were to win an expected late spring special election for the Senate — he would enter as a favorite — he’d have to pick up and do it all over again next year, in a higher-turnout contest that could also be tough to win. A loss in that race could end his political career.

(More at link):

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/why-scott-brown-might-run-for-governor-not-senate-86102.html

[chelsea0011]

1. Not sure I agree that Brown if he won would be in a tougher race next year.

If he wins, he would have beaten the top Democrat who already defeated a list of other Democrats. The reason Brown had a tough election, besides a huge turnout, was that there was a different opponent in Warren. Unless Patrick decides to run, I can't see another Democrat that would be a challenge.

[TroyD]

2. That's one reason I question the wisdom of Obama appointing John Kerry to SOS

It risks losing a seat that would probably have been safe if John Kerry had remained in it for 2014.

And we already have to worry about defending the soon to be vacant Rockefeller seat in West Virginia, as well as possible question marks around whether Johnson will run again in South Dakota.

How is Kay Hagan looking in North Carolina?