| The GRP is already a party that makes filings with the Federal Elections Commission just like any other, but the Commonwealth's elections law gives legal party status to those parties who register at least 1% of voters and/or whose statewide candidates tally at least 3% of the vote. Although they have not yet so registered, there are many more than 1% of voters who believe in the tenets of the Green-Rainbow Party, that's it's time for a party whose leadership and candidates at all levels does not accept corporate / lobbyist contributions, and who embrace what the party stands for. This was apparent on election day at the polling places in the 4th Berkshire District, where I recently ran for State Representative. Read my post election day message titled "We're Feeling Great!"
Here's another post election report from our friends up north, the Vermont Progressive Party:
Vermont Progressives avoid the national lurch to the right.
Vermont generally, and Vermont Progressives specifically, weathered the nation's tack to the right last Tuesday. And while final results are not in for all races, it looks like of the 7382 state legislators across the country, only 24 were elected outside the Republican/Democrat duopoly. Of those, the Vermont Progressive Party is the only third party represented (the rest ran as independents).
All five Progressive incumbents seeking re-election were returned to office. Brattleboro Representatives Sarah Edwards and Mollie Burke ran unopposed. This will be Mollie's second term in Montpelier, and Sarah's fifth, making her the senior member of the Progressive caucus. Progressive whip Susan Hatch Davis of Washington came out on top in a tight race to return for a third term. Her four-vote victory will likely go to a recount, and we may need volunteers to help with that process. Caucus leader Sandy Haas of Rochester defeated a Republican 1004-896, to return for her fourth term.
Chittenden County Senator Tim Ashe returns for his second term, placing fourth in the six-seat district.
Progressives also picked up two seats in the State House. Chris Pearson of Burlington was elected to the open seat created with the retirement of Representative David Zuckerman. Anthony Pollina became the second Progressive elected to the State Senate, taking the Washington County seat left open by Phil Scott.
In Burlington's Ward Three, Progressive School Board Director Vince Brennan won the special election for City Council, filling the vacancy created when Marrisa Caldwell stepped down this fall. Vince topped the Democrat by a 10 vote margin.
In statewide races, Don Schramm reached the 5% threshold needed to maintain major-party status, receiving 7% in the race for State Treasurer. Progressives are the only third party [in Vermont] to win the percentage of votes needed to maintain major party status. Marj Power received 3% in her Lieutenant Governor bid and Attorney General candidate Charlotte Dennett came in at 4%.
Auditor of Accounts candidate Doug Hoffer (running with both the Democratic and Progressive endorsement) ran a strong race against two-term incumbent Tom Salmon. Doug received 45% of the ballots cast, the highest percentage received by a Progressive statewide candidate to date.
A special thanks to several candidates who ran for the State House from far-flung corners of the state, but came up short at the polls. Claude DeLucia in Bennington, John Taylor in Williamstown, Nancy Potak in Greensboro, Cindy Weed in Enosburg, and Marvin Malek in Berlin. Cindy came in just 34 votes shy in her race, and Marvin ended the evening down by only 75 votes.
Finally thanks to everyone who worked on a Progressive campaign this fall. You should be proud of your role in continuing to make the Progressive Party the most successful third party in the US.
If anyone would like to travel up to Burlington with me on Nov 20 to forge ties with this successful party, please let me know. Their convention begins at 1pm, so there's plenty of time to get up there and still arise at a reasonable hour.
Won't it be wonderful when the Green-Rainbow Party writes such an election day recap? It can happen soon with your help. |
