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Brown says he'll sometimes side with Democrats

by Glen Johnson - Jan. 28, 2010 01:32 PM
Associated Press

BOSTON - Scott Brown says he has already told N.html#" target="undefined">Senate Republican leaders they won't always be able to count on his vote.

The man who staged an upset in last week's Massachusetts Senate special election, in part by pledging to be the 41st GOP vote against President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday that he staked his claim in early conversations with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Whip Jon Kyl.

"I already told them, you know, I got here with the help of a close group of friends and very little help from anyone down there, so there'll be issues when I'll be with you and there are issues when I won't be with you,' " Brown said Thursday during the half-hour interview. "So, I just need to look at each vote and then make a proper analysis and then decide."

Asked how McConnell and Kyl responded, Brown said, "They understood. They said, You can probably do whatever you want, Scott. And, so, just let us know where your head's at, and we'll talk it through, and just keep us posted.' "

The senator-elect did not elaborate on possible breaking points, though the Washington newcomer dismissed any suggestion he will relent once he starts working in the highly partisan capital.

"That's not pressure; pressure is what I'm going through right now," said Brown. He cited his efforts to complete a transition in 2  1/2weeks, compared with the normal 2  1/2months for regularly elected senators, while preparing to surrender his responsibilities as a N.html#" target="undefined">state senator, become a Beltway commuter and resume his triathlon training.

He started Thursday with a one-hour bike ride and 1,500-meter swim.

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I am glad to hear this.  As long as it is a very well considered decision that makes sure his moderate positions are integrated, it's wonderful for the majority of the country.