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


7.05.2007

 

"Fighting 49"

By this time next week the "Fighting 49" will have fought their fight at the Statehouse. That's the 49-member House Republican caucus.

The battle, of course, is over the energy bill that Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed. What's interesting is that the Vermont Republican Party sees a fundrasing opportunity in this fight and the companion battle to block an override of the Douglas veto of a campaign finance bill.

"Help fortify the fighting 49" urges the Vermont Republican Party on its website. How? Donate. There are "sustain the vetoes receptions" you can attend or you can donate directly. Here's the message: "If you believe we need more fiscally responsible Republicans in Montpelier and want to send a message of encouragement to our "fighting 49" now is the time to make a contribution to the Vermont GOP."

Over at the Vermont Democratic Party's website, a big red button at the top of the home page urges visitors to click for more information on the campaign finance bill -- which the party wants passed despite the veto. The energy bill didn't get a button. No direct appeal for money by the Vermont Democratic Party to help the "-------" 93, who will be entering the July 11th battle short a few members. Despite their greater numbers, Democrats face an uphill fight to find enough allies to achieve a two-third's majority to override vetoes.

By the way, I couldn't come up with a good adjective for the 93-member Democratic caucus. I flipped through a thesaurus in search of an alliterative word but nothing fit -- since I was looking for something neutral. I'm sure, though, that some of you will have suggestions.

-- Nancy Remsen

Comments:
"Gannett Cancels Free Parking in Vermont"

Hey Free Press reporters. How are you feeling about the boss these days? Consider this phrase: "Don't whine, organize."
 
help the "-------" 93

That would be United 93
 
There are a few Democrats who will vote to sustain the veto of H.520 - they could be called the "Douglas Democrats"

Will the GOP leadership recruit and fund challengers to the Douglas Democrats?

Or will the liberal Dems try to recruit challengers to defeat the Douglas Democrats in next year's primary?
 
The United 93 are far better at shooting themselves down, so they will challenge the Douglas Democrats.
 
More like the "Fumbling 49"
 
I take offense to "United 93." My Uncle was on United Flight 93, on 9/11.

It's not political at all, it's just a matter of respect.

Thank You.
 
The Frightening 49
 
The "could have played this smarter 93"..
Here's the math...49 plus 5 (absent dems)=54, 3 more than needed to sustain, even if all the dems who voted no switch to override. There are no Douglas democrats, just some thinking ones who saw from the outset that the VY tax was problematic and had to be fixed.
 
Not exactly. The override requires 2/3 of those present. It does not require 100 votes. If there are five no shows, the override requires 97 votes. Also unlikely.
 
Do not override this veto.
 
Please override the veto.
 
It will not happen. Because a handful of ethical Democrats put principle above partisanship and "Shumlinism."
 
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