When businesswoman Janice Leahy sat down with former Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), now running for Senate in New Hampshire, to talk with him about Obamacare, Brown presented her with a “Hero Award” plaque that read “Women for Scott Brown.” Leahy, however, wasn’t sure why she was given the award in the first place.
Leahy, according to Time magazine, met with Brown at a diner in Windham, New Hampshire in May to discuss Obamacare and how it has impacted her small software and professional services company. Brown, then, gave her the plaque. His campaign also sent out a press release after the meeting.
“I’m pleased to award Janice with a Hero Award to celebrate her determination to maintain a business despite government red tape and burdensome regulations that make for a very tough environment not only for women-oriented businesses, but for everyone,” Brown said in the release. “That’s why I support full repeal of Obamacare.”
Brown’s campaign posted a picture of Leahy and the former senator with the award on Facebook.
Leahy was confused by the whole encounter, according to Time. She said she felt the award was more to benefit Brown than acknowledge her.
“I think it’s his push to show women in the area he understands inherently their issues, what’s near and dear in their hearts,” Leahy said.
She said she’s unhappy with Brown’s 2012 vote against equal pay legislation. Brown is running to replace Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in the November 4 general election.
“I haven’t decided yet which way I’ll vote in November,” Leahy added.
Time noted that an Aug. 21 WMUR Granite State poll found Shaheen leading among women 53 percent to 39 percent. Brown may be trying to close that margin by giving out at least two other Hero Awards like the one Leahy received. They’re “meant to recognize individuals who are contributing to the economic life of New Hampshire, helping our community thrive and building strong families, sometimes despite adverse circumstances.”
The TPM Polltracker average gives Shaheen a 2.8 point lead over Brown.
(Photo credit: Facebook)
