Published: 11/21/2016 4:25:49 PM
A large backpack slung over one shoulder, Republican Scott Brown passed through the luxurious lobby of Trump tower Monday morning, gave a wave to nearby reporters and boarded an elevator bound for a meeting with the president-elect.
Brown is one of the latest public figures to parade through the Manhattan building, fueling speculation of a pending position in the Trump administration. The former Massachusetts senator confirmed as much after the get-together, saying he is under consideration to lead the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
“We obviously spoke about my passion and his passion, which (is) veterans and veterans issues,” he told reporters, according to Politico. “You know, obviously I think the toughest job in the cabinet is to lead the VA, because while it has so many angels working there, it has so many great problems as well. So, he is going to obviously take my application, or interest under consideration. I’m glad that he called.”
Brown is one of dozens of officials to meet with Trump in recent days as the Republican president-elect works to put together a cabinet.
New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte was reportedly under consideration for Ambassador to the United Nations, an idea that has drawn skepticism from her supporters as well as Trump backers. Ayotte, who withdrew her support for Trump’s candidacy in October, has yet to make a public appearance at Trump Tower.
Brown, by contrast, was among the most prominent public supporters of Trump in New Hampshire. Brown endorsed the businessman before the February primary – a double-digit victory that helped to legitimize Trump’s candidacy.
Brown ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire two years ago after losing his 2012 re-election campaign in Massachusetts to rising Democrat Elizabeth Warren.
Since his loss to U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in 2014, Brown has remained active in state politics. Before the 2016 primary, he held a series of backyard barbeque events for Republican presidential candidates.
Brown served in the National Guard and said Trump is expected to make a decision after Thanksgiving. Brown said if chosen he would try to reduce the high rate of suicide among veterans and improve access to care. “I am not competing with anybody. I think I am the best person,” he said.
During the campaign, Trump made reforming the veterans affairs administration, which oversees care and benefits for veterans, a priority.
(Allie Morris can be reached at 369-3307 or amorris@cmonitor.com.)