Scott Brown gets into geography spat

In a debate Thursday night, Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown seemed to stumble when describing the geography of the state he hopes to represent.

Asked about the economic triumphs and challenges of Sullivan County, N.H., he launched into his answer — which included a mention of the opportunities afforded by ski tourism — before he was interrupted by a reporter.

“We’re talking about Sullivan County, and I think you were talking about the North Country,” the reporter said.

“I’m talking about any place past Concord, actually,” he said, and continued with his answer. A little bit later, he was interrupted again.

“Sullivan County is west of Concord, it’s not north of Concord, Senator Brown,” the reporter said, “So what do you see going well and what is not going well there?”

Brown replied: “With respect, I’ve answered the question. The challenges are the same in every county of our state.”

A video of the exchange was quickly posted to YouTube by Democrats.

Brown said after the debate that he had visited Mount Sunapee, a ski resort in Sullivan County that is northwest of Concord.

“It’s northwest, I guess I should have been more specific,” he said.

The reporter who asked the question, James Pindell, said on air that he had incorrectly believed Sullivan County to be located solely to the west of Concord. He apologized to Brown.

Brown’s campaign said that he will be in Sullivan County on Friday morning for an event.

The incumbent senator, Jeanne Shaheen, didn’t reference the exchange when it was her turn to answer the question. The exchange drew attention because Brown has already faced questions about his residency. He was born in the state, but moved to Massachusetts shortly thereafter. He served as Massachusetts senator from 2010 to 2013.

This post was updated at 11:55 p.m.