Brown Enjoys Canoe Ride in Concord; Political Tracker Follows Behind

U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown took a break from campaigning on Sept. 5, to enjoy a jaunt along the Contoocook River with Merrimack County Sheriff, Scott Hilliard.

The two met at the Contoocook River Canoe Company along with two of Brown’s campaign staff and a political tracker from American Bridge, who showed up earlier, rented a canoe, went out on the water, set up his video camera, and waited along the southern banks of the river.

“They’re following me everywhere,” Brown said.

Patrick Malfait, the owner of the company, gave them a quick overview of the western stretch of the river, the company’s rental rules, and safety information, including a requirement to wear lifejackets.

Hilliard said he suggested the canoe trip idea to Brown as a way of taking a break from the campaign trail and seeing some of the beautiful sights around Merrimack County, including the river. Brown said hitting as many rivers as he could in the Granite State was on his bucket list and when Hilliard suggested the idea, he jumped at the chance.

The two talked shop about the state of the race. Hilliard stated that Brown did great in the WMUR-TV debate the night before and Brown said he was upbeat about the campaign. Brown claimed he was getting outspent by Democrat and getting hammered by false ads but that polls showed him about one point down from Shaheen if he becomes the nominee after the primary on Sept. 9.

Campaign aides brought along a cooler with sandwiches, chips, and drinks, but it was noted that there wasn’t any beer in the cooler.

“No,” Brown said, “not until Tuesday night.”