Capuano noted that Massachusetts has a long history of electing moderate Republicans. “If Mr. Brown turns out to be a moderate Republican, he’ll probably be there for a while,” he said.
“To say that Scott Brown isn’t viable politically in 2012 would be a mistake for Democrats. If he takes moderate stances on issues like Olympia Snowe does and shows an independent streak that John McCain has, he’ll absolutely be viable in 2012, and would be the clear frontrunner,” said Meehan, who wouldn’t rule out a run in 2012.
The upside for Massachusetts Democrats — even if Brown does turn out to be a senator who appeals to the middle — is that they’re stocked with a deep bench of young, diverse talent, according to Boston City Council President Michael Ross.
“Short of perfection, if we work, we should have no problems taking that seat back,” said Ross. “And it might be someone who we’ve never seen, someone newer, someone younger — our party’s Scott Brown,” he added.
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