 In January 2010 , The Boston Globe reported that during six terms in the Legislature , three each in the House and Senate , Brown had a modest record of legislative initiatives , but he had carved out a niche as a leading advocate for veterans . Richard Tisei of Wakefield , Massachusetts , the leader of the Republican minority in the state Senate , called Brown " the acknowledged expert on veterans ' issues . " State Senator Jack Hart , a Democrat of South Boston , said : " He does his homework , he 's comprehensive in his approach , and on veterans ' issues , he 's one of them and has done a very good job on their behalf . " 
