vt.Buzz ~ a political blog

Political notes from Free Press staff writers Terri Hallenbeck, Sam Hemingway and Nancy Remsen

11.15.2006

Barnett departs

Jim Barnett, the bulldog-ish head of the Vermont Republican Party, is leaving the state to become regional campaign coordinator for Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential exploratory committee in Boston, as of Dec. 1.

Barnett said this new job's been in the works since last summer.

Barnett was a one-person machine running the Republicans' show for the last three-and-a-half years. Some Republicans liked the way he bulldozed his way to get things done. Some others didn't quite like the way he played the bull in the china shop.

What were the net results of Barnett's work in Vermont? Who should replace him?

- Terri Hallenbeck

posted by vt.Buzz | 5:30 PM |

Comments:

Yes but remember that McCain is trying to make amends with the extreem right wing of the Republican party. He has to in order to win the GOP nomination.

If Barnett is as good at his new job as he was as the head of the Vermont GOP, Senator McCain will be in retirement by 2009.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 7:25 PM, November 15, 2006

Congrats need to be given to Mr. Barnett. His efforts and leadership got 3 statewide Republicans elected in this Dem tide. Nowhere in the rest of New England is there more then 1 statewide GOP office holder. If Barnett had not been in charge the Vermont House and Senate candidates would have faired fair worse.

This is a great pickup for McCain.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:02 AM, November 16, 2006

Correction, 2 Republicans were RE-elected. (The jury is out on the third.)

When's the last time an incumbent Governor was voted out of office in Vermont???? Douglas had an easy race.

With Democratic veto-proof majorities in the legislature, Senator Sanders and Congresman Welch, Barnet has been a big old failure.

No wonder the Vermont GOP is shipping him off.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:18 AM, November 16, 2006

Uh, nowhere except Maine, New Hampshire, and special mention for Connecticut which has 1-and-a-half. None of those elected 3 statewide Republicans in this year's elections. While NH, as an example have two GOP Senators, neither was up for releaction this year. Sorry you missed the point.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:26 PM, November 17, 2006

I agree with the anonymous a few up. Incumbancy reigns in Vermont. Brian Dubie's re-election is about Brian not Jim Barnett. Even people who may not agree with Brian on everything, love him. That has to do with Brian not Jim's skill.

Jim obsessed over the U.S. House race and didn't put time he needed to into recruiting for the Vermont State Senate and House. He does have ability...it was an issue of priority.

It is bogus to think it is a huge accomplishment to keep our two established Gov. and L.G.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:39 AM, November 18, 2006