The come-from-behind victory by Republican Scott Brown in the special election for Ted Kennedy’s Massachusetts senate seat Jan. 19  prompted a major — and much-needed — reset to be declared by the Obama administration.

We hope it means that closed-door negotiations to pass bad legislation through influence peddling and special deals will come to an end.

Instead, we’re hoping the Brown win will result in a shift to a more nonpartisan, grassroots approach, where ideas from members of both parties, as well as independents and others, will address the two most pressing issues on the minds of most Americans.

In our view, the focus should be on encouraging job creatiion in the private sector and slashing the staggering national debt as well as the U.S. deficit.

Also, we hope officials will address the high cost of health care and a path forward in the war on terrorism.

Government mandates, increased government spending and deficits, will not solve these problems nor benefit any of our children or us.

Our leaders must recognize that government cannot solve every problem, right every wrong or restrict all behavior perceived as bad.

Scott Brown’s words were just as important as the grassroots persona he exemplifies, driving a pickup with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer.

Indeed, the defining moment in the aforementioned campaign came during a televised debate with his opponent, Martha Coakley, Brown said “With all due respect. It’s not the Kennedy seat, and it’s not the Democrat’s seat. It’s the people’s seat.”