Vermont Democratic Party

VDP Blog

Jun13

The 2013 VDP summer fellowship program gets off to a strong start

Through the 2013 VDP summer fellowship, 13 of us have been brought on board to help with the party reorganization process. Our group of energetic, dedicated young people will be working directly with leaders and activists across the state, building a stronger VDP from the ground up. Here's an introduction to the group, and what we'll be doing this summer.

May29

The Vermont Democratic Party Looks to Expand its Grassroots Network Town by Town and County by County

"None of this would be possible, of course, without the hard work and dedication of our grassroots Democratic activists. For the past several cycles, folks have came out of the woodwork to support Democratic candidates and elect them to office by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and turning out targeted voters to the polls. These people have worked hard and they have worked smart. Unlike other political entities, which recruit volunteers for election related activities only, letting them lie dormant in off-cycle years, the VDP will engage with these activists on campaigns and events on a week to week basis."

May24

An Exciting Legislative Session, and Some Work That is Yet to be Completed

An Exciting Legislation Session, and Some Work That is Yet to be Completed

We had high hopes going into the 2013 legislative session. Fresh off a 2012 election cycle in which Democrats saw an increase in their majorities in the House and Senate, and the reelection of all of their statewide officeholders despite a miscalculated attempt by a millionaire-funded Super PAC to derail our progress, the momentum was firmly in our camp. For the most part this session, Vermont Democrats were able to advance their agenda of moving Vermont Forward.

Despite some differences on the budget, the results that were delivered this session do, in fact, move our state forward. Let’s consider the legislation:

May2

Thinking of Vermonters Last

Toward the end of the legislative session, Vermonters First has jumped into the fray yet again with its latest mail piece which targets Democratic legislators around the state on a number of tax issues. These attack mailers each include a postcard personally addressed to targeted legislators.

Having paid for over a dozen mail pieces on various campaigns, I know that thousands of full color, glossy mail pieces with detachable postcards do not come cheap. But what would you expect from Vermonters First, a Super PAC that spent a million dollars last fall to win, well, essentially nothing?

It must be nice to throw that kind of money around.

Apr24

Priorities for our Attorney General and Secretary of State

As part of our VDP blog exclusives, this week I caught up with two more of Vermont’s statewide elected officials, Attorney General Bill Sorrell and Secretary of State Jim Condos. With a high number of legislation and policy initiatives heating up in the legislature, the VDP gives you the inside scoop on the legislative priorities of our officials.

Part of the reason why H.99, the equal pay bill, was so important to Sorrell was because “…it’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the law.” Sorrell noted how his Civil Rights Unit enforces anti-discrimination law that is currently part of employment statutes. However, existing law needed to be beefed up.

Condos says he’s chief concern this session are campaign finance reform and enhancing the integrity of Vermont’s elections. He believes that the unprecedented barrage from Vermonters First last fall isn’t something that Vermonters are comfortable with.

The Secretary of State notes that because of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, limiting the spending of Super PACs is, unfortunately, off the table. That’s why, Condos says, transparency is the key and that “…the way to the future is a downloadable searchable database.”

Apr18

Treasurer Pearce in the Spotlight

True to her word, Beth has been all over the state this year, attending every state committee meeting and a majority of the county committee meetings – an impressive show of dedication in a non-election year.

Treasurer Pearce’s excellent reputation isn’t just known within Democratic circles. She’s also making waves across Vermont. She’s partnered with legislators to propose legislation that promotes consumer protection.

A hallmark example of this is H. 95, a bill that requires life insurance companies to reach out and make sure beneficiaries receive their policies. Beth worked with the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee to introduce the bill this legislation.

Apr11

Leading the way on an issue we shouldn't have to lead on

Regardless of the inability of Republicans on Capitol Hill to address the issue of inequality, in Vermont we’ve gone two steps ahead: one, we’ve admitted that it’s actually a problem, and two, the House of Representatives has crafted legislation to face it head on.

Despite the reservations from this fringe, the bill is moving steadily toward a vote in the Senate with much momentum. Since the Vermont Democratic Party started circulating the petition a month ago, with very little fanfare or promotion, nearly 700 Vermonters –men and women- have signed on.

Kaitlyn from Northfield takes a modern day perspective: “As a woman attending college with the intention of finding better employment in my future I would like to know that my college degree is worth just as much as the male peer I studied with. Especially since I know the degree cost me as much!”

Apr3

The Ghosts of Civil Unions

As the Supreme Court prepares to decide the fate of California’s Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, advocates of marriage equality are confident that the nation is heading in the right direction. The latest polls show that 53% Americans are in support of marriage equality and that more Americans than ever before claim to know a gay or lesbian person.

Mar28

Young Democrats of Vermont Making an Impact

Kate’s Young Democrats aren’t your run-of-the-mill college intellectuals who sit around debating policy. They have no intention of staying on the sidelines, grooming potential future Party leaders. They act.

Mar20

They still don't get it

The Republican National Committee’s “Growth Opportunity Project” has sparked a lot of backlash, and rightfully so. As Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party Julia Barnes notes: “Instead of admitting that the GOP has failed to represent the values of middle class Vermonters and middle class Americans, they blame messaging strategies instead.”

Unfortunately, it seems the Vermont GOP has has chose to go along with their national counterparts.