Barnett was New Hampshire state director for John McCain's 2008 presidential bid.
Don Anderson, a supporter of Massachusetts State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, waves to drivers passing below on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Newton, Mass., during Brown's first run for Senate.BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Scott Brown has tapped the former New Hampshire state director for John McCain's 2008 presidential bid to serve as his campaign manager.
Brown's campaign cited Jim Barnett's role in helping oversee McCain's victory in the state, which paved the way for his nomination as the GOP's candidate for president against Democrat Barack Obama.
The 35-year-old Barnett has also served as Vermont Republican Party chairman and as an adviser to former Vermont Gov. James Douglas.
Barnett in a written statement called Brown "a refreshing political figure" who casts votes based on what is best for the people he serves.
Democrats tried to portray Barnett as a political heir to Republican strategists Lee Atwater and Karl Rove.
The Massachusetts Republican is hoping to win a full six-year term next year.