Popular Republican Scott Brown makes first campaign stop for McCain in Arizona

Scott Brown campaigns for McCain in Arizona

PHOENIX — John McCain is facing the toughest re-election battle of his career, and he’s bringing in the Republican Party’s newest rising star to help him out.

Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown is making his first campaign trip as senator. His visit to Arizona will be a first test of his popularity among Republican activists after he sided with Democrats in supporting a jobs bill.

Brown won his seat in January with the help national Republicans, “tea party” groups and an array of conservative special interests. Some of those supporters turned against Brown after his Feb. 22 vote on the jobs bill. Since his vote he’s been called “Benedict Brown” and lambasted online.

Brown will with McCain at campaign rallies in Phoenix on Friday and Tucson on Saturday.