By Paul Tuthill
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Worcester, MA – Massachusetts U.S. Senator Scott Brown observed the 2nd anniversary of his stunning special election victory by formally launching his campaign for a full six year term. His likely Democratic opponent countered with a big day of fund raising. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
To formally launch his re-election bid, Brown returned to Mechanics Hall , a majestic performance venue in Worcester that was the site of a stirring rally in the closing days of his winning campaign two years ago.
In a fiery, 20 minute speech, Brown stressed what he said was his independence and willingness to compromise in order to address the nation's problems.
The Republican senator drew loud cheers when he pledged to support a balanced budget amendment to the constitution, and to repeal the healthcare reform initiatives that critics call Obamacare
Although Brown is an incumbent with a 12 point 8 million dollar campaign warchest, and is, according to polls, one of the most popular politicians in Massachusetts, he cast himself last night as the underdog fighting the political machine
Brown took swipes at is likely Democratic opponent, Harvard professor and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren.
Warren, seeking to upstage Brown, campaigned in a Worcester a few hours before his rally. She visited some small businesses, and greeted people in a coffee shop.
She dismissed Brown's expected line of attack on her candidacy.
And Warren challenged Brown's claims to an independent voting record.
Warren's campaign announced that it had raised a million dollars in what's know as a money-bomb. It's where all pledges that come in through the internet are converted to cash the same day.