FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
If this doesn't set off huge warning bells for the Democratic Party, it should:
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/29/art.s.brown.jpg caption="FILE PHOTO: Scott Brown (R-MA) participates in a ceremonial swearing-in February 4, 2010 on Capitol Hill after winning a special election for the seat that was held by the late Ted Kennedy."]
Newcomer Republican Senator Scott Brown is more popular in Massachusetts than top Democrats, like Pres. Obama and Sen. John Kerry. We're talking about Massachusetts here... the liberal bastion of politics where the late Ted Kennedy held his senate seat for nearly five decades.
A new Boston Globe poll shows that 55 percent of Massachusetts residents have a favorable view of Brown, who's been in Washington for only five months. 18 percent view him unfavorably...
Compare that to Pres. Obama, who gets a 54 percent favorable rating in Mass. And 41 percent unfavorable. Or the state's other Senator, John Kerry, who has been in the Senate for years - he gets a 52 percent favorable rating... and a 37 percent unfavorable rating.
The poll also shows support for Brown runs deep; with majorities of Republicans and Independents... and a plurality of Democrats - viewing him favorably.
Democrats are hoping to defeat brown in 2012 - when he has to run for a full term. They want to recapture Ted Kennedy's seat.
That's a very tall order at this point. Brown has become a hugely popular figure on the national stage, and that means he should have no trouble raising whatever money he needs to run for re-election.
People also like the fact that as a candidate, Brown said he would be an Independent person in Washington - and he has stuck to that... at times voting with Republicans, at times crossing the aisle to work with Democrats. Imagine that - a politician who keeps his word. The sky could be the limit for him.
Here’s my question to you: Republican Sen. Scott Brown outpolls Democrats Pres. Obama and Sen. Kerry in Massachusetts. What's up with that?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Will in Euclid, Ohio writes:
Doesn't shock me at all. After all, the majority of Americans are moderate, centrist, independents, NOT in the political extremes of radical right or radical left, as you would prefer to portray them. It looks like this guy is actually doing what the PEOPLE want – and he might just make himself a career out of it.
Cathryn in Massachusetts writes:
Polls are by nature inaccurate. Scott Brown is not nearly as popular as the Boston Globe poll indicates. Massachusetts voters like a maverick but are still liberal leaning. Don't make any assumptions.
Mel writes:
He's popular all right. My powers of premonition tell me that it is quite possible that this junior senator will run for president and win (in 2012 or 2016). This time, the candidate will have the experience and fortitude to match his popularity.
A conservative & practical Republican writes:
It's simple. People are tired of the insider/incumbent feel, but they don't want crazy, fringe-element lunatics either. Brown and his practical yet non-traditional approach have seemingly filled that void. Perhaps others can join him.
Susan in Idaho writes:
Let him be president for 18 months then see what his reviews are.
William writes:
He's polling well in a Democratic state because he is a Democrat. Northeastern Republicans are still Republicans but not insane and idiotic as most other Republicans are. That's why you think it's weird.
Jim in North Carolina writes:
Everything works in cycles and now common sense is the new "in" thing. The good folk of Massachusetts have evolved.