As you may remember, Scott Brown is the relatively unknown Massachusetts Republican who, after iconic Democrat Senator Ted Kennedy died, managed to overhaul his inept opponent, Martha Coakley (who now is running for Governor), and win a special election to finish Mr. Kennedy\’s term.
He then ran for a full term. But Massachusetts reverted to form, and dumped him in favor of a more leftward Democrat, Elizabeth Warren.
Now, Mr. Brown has changed his residence, become a citizen of New Hampshire, and is in the Republican primary to run against incumbent Senator Jean Shaheen.
Until now, Ms. Shaheen looked like she would be an easy winner over the carpetbagging Brown. I doubt many people, other than the most optimistic Republican cheerleaders, gave him more than a distant chance.
But, according to the latest WMUR/Granite State poll, Brown has quickly closed the gap. A month ago, Shaheen lead Brown by 12% (50%-38%). Now the difference is 2% (46%-44%).
I assume Brown will use this poll to sell New Hampshire Republicans on the premise that, unlike his other two primary opponents, he can win against Shaheen – which is a pretty good argument.
Add in the fact that, as Ms. Coakley will ruefully concede, he has done it before, and the obvious conclusion is that, at least as of this moment, if Scott Brown becomes the Republican\’s Senate candidate in New Hampshire, the state is in play.
We\’ll keep an eye on this one.
