Gov. Hassan Zings Scott Brown at Ganley Luncheon

For the second time in four days, Gov. Maggie Hassan poked fun at former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown at a St. Patrick's Day event on Monday.

Hassan, who got in a dig at Brown at Friday's Wild Irish Breakfast in Nashua, received a few oohs but mostly laughs for her jab at the soon-to-be New Hampshire Senate candidate at the 25th Annual John P. Ganley St. Patrick’s Day Memorial Award Luncheon at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem on Monday.

"It's great to be here in Salem, straddling the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts," the governor said. "But enough about Scott Brown." After a few moments, she looked toward Brown in the audience and said, "Said with love. Said with love."

Hassan, of course, is a Democrat, while Brown is a Republican.

Hassan, Sen. Kelly Ayotte and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal all made cracks about Brown during their speeches at the Wild Irish Breakfast, which was held on the same day that Brown announced he was forming an exploratory committee to prepare a run for Senate in New Hampshire.

Brown did not speak at the Ganley Luncheon. He sat at a table with several local officials, including Senate President Chuck Morse and Executive Councilor Chris Sununu.

Hassan also cracked wise about the House's recent vote to kill casino gambling legislation.

"With this latest proposal falling short," she said, "some have suggested that the future of Rockingham Park may be in doubt... so we have crafted a plan to save the Rock."

The announcement drew loud applause from the crowd, many of whom assumed the governor was being serious. But then she let them in on her joke.

"Now this new plan also bears some risk," Hassan said. "It is potentially fraught with social costs, fiscal uncertainty, and it will undoubtedly bring nefarious looking characters to Salem, increasing the strain on local law enforcement. That being said, I thin having the Legislature moved to Salem is an idea worth considering. I am sure Concord would appreciate it."

Also at the Ganley Luncheon, Ann R. Lally, president of Salem Co-operative Bank, was honored with the Chief John P. Ganley Community Service Award. The award is presented annually to an individual "who has exhibited concern, involvement and leadership in the community of Salem; while providing inspiration to others, through his or her dedication, integrity and courage in the manner exemplified by Chief John P. Ganley during his life on earth."

Ganley died in 1989 but his commitment to the community is recognized each year on St. Patrick’s Day.