Scott Brown: I Don't Owe McConnell Anything

In an interview with Esquire, U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Ma., gave a terse answer when asked about his working relationship with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who spearheads the Republican agenda.In a GOP where northeastern moderates are abandoning the party in protest, Brown is running as a "good guy" while seeking re-election in the closely watched race with Democrat Elizabeth Warren for Ted Kennedy's old seat. The moderate Republican lawmaker gained fame as a Tea Party candidate two years ago, but he's been decidedly moderate and recently praised his opponent in a new radio ad.When asked how his moderate streak compares with McConnell's leadership, Brown got snippy.From Esquire: So I sat down with Brown and had a superficial conversation until the end, when I said he didn't seem like the kind of guy who would take orders from hard-right Republicans like Mitch McConnell, leader of the Republican caucus in the Senate. "I don't owe Mitch McConnell anything," Brown snapped. Sore spot? Please go on.Unfortunately the Massachusetts Republican did not elaborate and left the rumors and innuendo to fester about whether the comment is a true feeling or a maneuver to show he's even more moderate than observers have credited. Others have pointed out if Brown wins re-election it would certainly improve McConnell’s chances of ascending to Senate majority leader.