Moderates in the News: Scott Brown
by: Moderate Thinking
20. Jan, 2010 
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Yesterday, something that was once seen as impossible actually happened in Massachusetts. Scott Brown, a Republican, was voted in as the newest Senator from blue Massachusetts, replacing the late Edward Kennedy.
Aside from the surprise of a Republican winning in Massachusetts, this vote holds particular political significance. With the election of Brown, there will be only 59 Democratic senators, leaving them one vote shy of a filibuster-proof majority. In other words, this means they will have to debate more and compromise more in the Senate in order to pass Democratic-sponsored legislation.
This vote is significant in another way, one that is talked about less, but possibly even more important. The election highlighted how much influence Moderates and Independents truly have when it comes to determining electoral outcomes. It also shows that even in those states which traditionally lean heavily in favor toward one party or the other, American citizens still hold high regard for checks and balances.
Some are claiming Brown's victory as a victory for conservatism. Conservatives around the country are rejoicing over what they see as a comeback for 'their team.” It is true that in a matter of a few short weeks, the fairly unknown Republican State Senator from Massachusetts has drawn attention on the national stage, uniting conservatives of all varieties.
But were Conservatives the real victors in the election? Or, was Scott Brown's election really a victory for Moderates?
John Avlon, the author of “Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics” said, concerning the election:
At the same time, the Republicans seemed to learn their lesson from November, when they lost a House seat in another special election held in New York. Instead of shunning the Moderate for a more extreme-conservative third-party candidate, Republicans and Conservatives of all kinds decided to support the moderate Republican candidate. Many did so gladly, though over the past few weeks, I noted several instances where individuals described Scott Brown as the “lesser of two evils.”
The fact is, it is no small feat for a Republican to be voted into office in a state like Massachusetts. Only those who demonstrate moderate principles even have a chance in a state where many vote Democrat because “everybody's doing it.” Brown's defeated opponent, Martha Coakley, was one of many who seemed to believe that she would have no problem winning.
Whether Scott Brown is truly a Moderate remains to be seen as he enters the Senate. We live in a time of sharp partisan divide. Whether he sticks with his party or tries to build bridges will be a decision he will have to make in the coming months.
In the end, what does this election really show us? Ultimately, it shows that Moderates, Centrists, and Independents anywhere (even in Massachusetts) like checks and balances in our government. It shows that a lot of people (maybe more than many expected) are not straight-party voters. Most important of all, it shows that Moderates are indeed the game-changers. They are the most influential voting bloc, as it is the Moderates who ultimately decide elections.
Congratulations to Senator-elect Brown and his successful campaign! The Moderates of Massachusetts were convinced that he was worth giving a chance. Here's hoping that he represents those who elected him. We look forward to welcoming him to the hall of Moderates.
Aside from the surprise of a Republican winning in Massachusetts, this vote holds particular political significance. With the election of Brown, there will be only 59 Democratic senators, leaving them one vote shy of a filibuster-proof majority. In other words, this means they will have to debate more and compromise more in the Senate in order to pass Democratic-sponsored legislation.
This vote is significant in another way, one that is talked about less, but possibly even more important. The election highlighted how much influence Moderates and Independents truly have when it comes to determining electoral outcomes. It also shows that even in those states which traditionally lean heavily in favor toward one party or the other, American citizens still hold high regard for checks and balances.
Some are claiming Brown's victory as a victory for conservatism. Conservatives around the country are rejoicing over what they see as a comeback for 'their team.” It is true that in a matter of a few short weeks, the fairly unknown Republican State Senator from Massachusetts has drawn attention on the national stage, uniting conservatives of all varieties.
But were Conservatives the real victors in the election? Or, was Scott Brown's election really a victory for Moderates?
John Avlon, the author of “Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics” said, concerning the election:
“Independents asserting their real power, even in Massachusetts, should be a huge wake-up call to Democrats and Republicans... Independents like the checks and balances of divided government. They dislike the ideological arrogance that comes when one party controls the White House and Congress. That's what you're seeing.”I admit, since I don't live in Massachusetts, I didn't pay much attention to the election until recent weeks. As I looked into Scott Brown, however, I wasn't surprised at all to see that he fit the bill of what one might expect to see in a Republican from a blue state. Fiscally conservative, yet moderate to liberal on social issues. Some of Senator-elect Brown's views certainly do not fit with what many self-described “true conservatives” support.
At the same time, the Republicans seemed to learn their lesson from November, when they lost a House seat in another special election held in New York. Instead of shunning the Moderate for a more extreme-conservative third-party candidate, Republicans and Conservatives of all kinds decided to support the moderate Republican candidate. Many did so gladly, though over the past few weeks, I noted several instances where individuals described Scott Brown as the “lesser of two evils.”
The fact is, it is no small feat for a Republican to be voted into office in a state like Massachusetts. Only those who demonstrate moderate principles even have a chance in a state where many vote Democrat because “everybody's doing it.” Brown's defeated opponent, Martha Coakley, was one of many who seemed to believe that she would have no problem winning.
Whether Scott Brown is truly a Moderate remains to be seen as he enters the Senate. We live in a time of sharp partisan divide. Whether he sticks with his party or tries to build bridges will be a decision he will have to make in the coming months.
In the end, what does this election really show us? Ultimately, it shows that Moderates, Centrists, and Independents anywhere (even in Massachusetts) like checks and balances in our government. It shows that a lot of people (maybe more than many expected) are not straight-party voters. Most important of all, it shows that Moderates are indeed the game-changers. They are the most influential voting bloc, as it is the Moderates who ultimately decide elections.
Congratulations to Senator-elect Brown and his successful campaign! The Moderates of Massachusetts were convinced that he was worth giving a chance. Here's hoping that he represents those who elected him. We look forward to welcoming him to the hall of Moderates.
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