By Associated Press

BOSTON — U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is again calling for renewed bipartisanship and civility in government.

Brown told students and teachers at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston on Wednesday that "basic respect across party lines" is needed to avoid "bad laws and a lot of ill will."

The speech was also designed to emphasize a campaign theme of "Americans First" that echoes a radio ad Brown unveiled on Tuesday

In that 60-second ad, Brown says that one of his proudest days was standing with Democratic President Obama as he signed Brown’s "Hire A Hero" bill, which offers tax credits to businesses that hire veterans. Brown mentioned the bill in his speech.

Brown is in a tight race with Democratic rival Elizabeth Warren. Speaking with reporters after his speech, he called Warren elitist for some of her views