In a victory that challenged conventional wisdon, Republican Scott Brown has won the special Senatorial election in Massachusetts and will succeed liberal "lion" Ted Kennedy, filling a seat held by Democrats since JFK defeated Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. 58 years ago in 1952.
The Associated Press called Senator-elect Brown's victory a "stunning embarrassment for the White House". The Boston Globe said "It is difficult to overstate the significance of Scott Brown’s victory".
Last week, Brown came out in support of the fishing industry's goal of amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act to allow greater flexibility in rebuilding fish stocks, according to the Gloucester Daily Times.
In a January 15 endorsement of the Senator-elect, The Gloucester Daily Times noted: [d]uring a Wednesday meeting in Salem, Brown not only said he'd support revisiting and reforming the Magnuson-Stevens Act — the federal legislation that governs New England's and America's fisheries, he said Magnuson "must be" reopened and reformed.
The Senator-elect's comments demonstrate a willingness to join the bipartisan effort aimed at Magnuson reform led by Democratic Congressman Barney Frank and including fellow Massachusetts Democrat John Tierney.
The Obama Administration has not yet named an appointment for the position of NOAA Fisheries Administrator, which remains filled by Acting Administrator Jim Balsiger. Congressman Frank has actively supported the candidacy of UMass Dean Emeritus Brian Rothschild for the position. Six months ago, over fifty industry members wrote to Senator John Kerry and the late Senator Kennedy endorsing Dean Rothschild.
In late October, Congressman Frank wrote to the Obama Administration's NOAA director Jane Lubchenco raising a number of concerns.