Five Reasons Scott Brown Will Run for President

Scott Brown with President Barack Obama in 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Pundits have speculated for months that Scott Brown is plotting a U.S. Senate campaign in New Hampshire. I, for one, believe he has bigger plans: Brown has hinted that he’s feeling out a 2016 presidential run, even if media in Boston and DC have brushed the idea aside. Shortly after Brown lost his Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat to Elizabeth Warren, he sold his Wrentham home and established a residence across the border in Rye. He’s since popped up at Republican fundraisers all over his new home state. Democrats assume Brown wants to challenge New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2014. But he’s also been making trips to Iowa. Sure, it’s the birth state of his wife—yet more important, as any armchair analyst can tell you, New Hampshire and Iowa are the two key early-voting presidential primary and caucus states. Not only do I believe Brown’s considering a run at the White House, I also don’t think he’s crazy to do so. Here are five reasons why.

1. He has a strong profile.

Brown’s stunning 2010 victory made him an instant national superstar in the Republican Party. His star has since dimmed, but he’s still better known, and better liked, among GOP voters than most candidates lining up for a shot at the 2016 nomination.

2. He’s a moderate.

The Republican establishment is terrified of an ultraconservative on the ticket. Right now, their guy is moderate New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. But recent allegations that Christie abused his influence to punish a fellow pol might make room for Brown.

3. Team Romney could become Team Brown.

There’s no love lost between Christie and Mitt Romney, after Christie embraced Barack Obama during Hurricane Sandy and sealed Romney’s political doom. And Romney’s operatives are available for hire.

4. He can win by losing, part one.

More often than not, the GOP presidential nomination goes to someone on his second try (see Romney, 2008). If Brown runs as a long shot in 2016, he sets himself up for a more viable attempt later on.

5. He can win by losing, part two.

Think of it as the Mike Huckabee jobs plan: Even if the presidency proves a pipe dream, a White House run can boost Brown’s future earning potential in a big way. Go, Scott, go!