Anthony Pollina, state chair of the Vermont Progressive Party, has been running for Governor for some months. But he began the active campaign on May 6, when his radio ads began airing. Also he started a two-week campaign tour around Vermont on May 6.
His chances of winning will be enhanced if the Democrats don’t run anyone for Governor. The Democratic Speaker of the House, Gaye Symington, says she will decide whether to run in the next week. Symington is not as well-known within Vermont as Pollina.
Symington has little to gain and lots to lose! This could be a real break for non Democrats and non Republicans!
My friend, Don Lake, is right on about this. A victory for Anthony Pollina would be the biggest thing since Jesse Ventura in 2002!
Im hoping Pollina wins. He couldnt possibly be MORE socialist than the Republicans or Democrats–and he’d put a chink in the armor of the duopoly.
Jesse Ventura was elected in 1998.
Yes, Steve. Thank you for the correction. Let me also add that the election of Bernard Sanders as an independent U.S. Senator from Vermont awhile back was pretty big too! However, a Progressive Governor of Vermont would be very big!
At least Bernie Sanders, unlike Obama and Hillary, is honest: he admits that he’s a socialist. Bernie, of course, caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate, as he did in the House. I’m sure he feels right at home there.
If memory serves: in recent Vermont elections involving Bernie, the Democrats have not run a candidate, so they have tacitly backed him.
BTW: What ever happened to Peter Smith, the ex-Republican congressman from VT? Last I heard, he was trying to get the Ripon Society rejuvenated.