vt.Buzz ~ a political blog

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

12.14.2007

Shorthanded

House Republicans face a handicap as they return for the legislative session. Their leader -- Rep. Steve Adams of Hartland -- undergoes aortic valve replacement on Jan. 7, one day before the Legislature reconvenes. He will be out for at least a month to six weeks, he said Friday.

While Adams is recuperating, Assistant Republican House Leader Patti Komline of Dorset will run the caucus alone. No temporary assistant has been selected to help her, but Adams said he expects everyone will pitch in.

Adams announced his need for surgery to the caucus at their private meeting on Dec. 8. He told House Speaker Gaye Symington today (Dec. 14) in a face-to-face meeting.

The caucus also loses veteran lawmaker David Sunderland of Rutland, who has resigned because of a new job. Sunderland was the assistant House Republican leader in 2005-2006.

Gov. Jim Douglas will appoint someone to complete Sunderland's term. Gubernatorial spokesman Jason Gibbs said the process has begun. The local Republican committee has been asked to suggest a list of candidates -- at least three, Gibbs said. The goal will be to find someone to fill Sunderland's seat early in the session. Gibbs said he didn't know if the selection process, which includes interviews, could be completed in time for opening day on Jan. 8.

A Democratic seat will be vacant on opening day, too. Rep. William Aswad will undergo surgery on the same day as Adams and be out for about two weeks, he said.

-- Nancy Remsen

posted by vt.Buzz | 5:33 PM |

Comments:

I wish Steve all the best of luck with his surgery and recovery. I think Democrats and Republicans can agree that Steve's low-key, moderate leadership of the Republican Caucus has been a breath of fresh air.

Steve typifies what it means to be a Vermont Republican - in the mold of George Aiken, Jim Jeffords, and Bob Stafford.

I hope Steve makes a speedy recovery. We need more Republicans like him.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:17 PM, December 14, 2007

The authors of some other blogs were critical of the House Republicans' decision to hold a closed caucus last weekend. Perhaps they will retract some of their criticisms now that Steve Adams has explained his situation. It was perfectly appropriate for him to tell the members of his caucus in private that he would be out for a month or more, and then to tell the Speaker in person, before informing the press of this development.

Best wishes for successful surgery and a speedy recovery to Rep. Adams!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:59 PM, December 14, 2007

The Republicans have at least periodically caucused in secret for a number of years; consequently, Adams' upcoming surgery probably had little to do with this last meeting. Having said that, I do agree that he has done a good job and certainly we should all wish him the best.

Secrecy and Republicanism seem to have a long-standing marriage, civil union or whatever.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 7:29 PM, December 14, 2007

The Democrats are really the problem in Monpelier - they control the place!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:50 PM, December 14, 2007

Anonymous said...

"The authors of some other blogs were critical of the House Republicans' decision to hold a closed caucus last weekend. Perhaps they will retract some of their criticisms now that Steve Adams has explained his situation."

And he needed to hold a closed caucus to do that? Why? All he had to do was go into executive session for 10 minutes to tell his fellow Gops what his situation was and the prognosis.

There was no need to have a closed caucus beyond that.

That's why they call them Public Servants and Public Meetings.

Hey, I wish the guy a speedy recovery, too. I don't harbor him any ill will. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that he was acting in his capacity as a Public Servant.

It was perfectly appropriate for him to tell the members of his caucus in private that he would be out for a month or more, and then to tell the Speaker in person, before informing the press of this development.

"Best wishes for successful surgery and a speedy recovery to Rep. Adams!"

Fine. Works for me. Then he can come back and bargain in good faith or get his frickin' head ripped off during the Legislative Session.

Symington better get her act together this year or step down as Speaker. No more embarrassments like failure to override Douglas Vetoes of legislation supported by the vast majority of Vermonters by a single vote because a couple of Dem Reps couldn't make it.

And what the hell is the gop likes of Rich Westman doing Chairing the House Transportation Committee when the Legislature is solidly in Democratic hands?

Lose the Ms Nice Guy shtick, Gaye and get a Dem Chair and somebody who knows what they're doing like Sue Minter in a key role.

Transportation is far too important for gops to be gummin' up the works.

And no more free passes for Jiminy Cricket.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 10:07 PM, December 14, 2007

" . . . failure to override Douglas Vetoes of legislation supported by the vast majority of Vermonters by a single vote because a couple of Dem Reps couldn't make it."

If you're thinking of the Vt. Yankee extortion tax, the failure to override was by more than one vote. And several Dems voted against it. And rightly so. In that case, the overide was not lost merely because a Dem or two didn't show up.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:18 PM, December 14, 2007

Anonymous said...
" . . . failure to override Douglas Vetoes of legislation supported by the vast majority of Vermonters by a single vote because a couple of Dem Reps couldn't make it."

If you're thinking of the Vt. Yankee extortion tax, the failure to override was by more than one vote. And several Dems voted against it. And rightly so. In that case, the overide was not lost merely because a Dem or two didn't show up.

Actually, I wasn't referring to VT Yankee, but now that you mention it, what was the vote count there, little fella?

Was that before or after the cooling tower collapsed?

That's what I thought.

VT Yankee should be treated just like any other Vermont business storing highly-toxic nuclear waste on the VT banks of the Connecticut River, little fella.

Then they can deal with NH and MA.

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 11:16 PM, December 14, 2007

"Symington better get her act together this year or step down as Speaker. No more embarrassments like failure to override Douglas Vetoes of legislation supported by the vast majority of Vermonters by a single vote because a couple of Dem Reps couldn't make it."

"Lose the Ms Nice Guy shtick, Gaye and get a Dem Chair and somebody who knows what they're doing like Sue Minter in a key role."

Yeah - Sue Minter, the same trust fund baby who was in South America while Douglas tore Symington and Shumlin a new orifice with his veto pen?

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:42 PM, December 14, 2007

I believe several Dems voted against the override on the Vt Yankee thievery bill.

And what did the tax have to do with the cooling pipe?

You lose.

Stuff it, sport.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:49 PM, December 14, 2007

"Secrecy and Republicanism seem to have a long-standing marriage, civil union or whatever."

Didn't Symington and Shumlin create their 10-0 civil union panel entirely in secret? Didn't Obie explore his income tax scheme with the W&M committee in secret and in violation of Vermont's open meeting laws? Didn't Symington react to the proposal that legislators disclose their financial situations reply something to the effect of, maybe the Governor should, but not me.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:59 AM, December 15, 2007

If they're extracurricular, that's his perogative.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:51 AM, December 15, 2007

If you think that Partridge/Nease/Symington and their Democrat caucus never hold private meetings off campus your head must be where the sun don't shine. They hold these meetings at least once a month to strategize. The press and public are never notified nor invited. Secrecy abounds all around

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:21 AM, December 15, 2007

When are we going to get to read Howard Dean's secret papers? Probably about the time the Clinton's release theirs!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:04 AM, December 15, 2007

bubba said...

"When are we going to get to read Howard Dean's secret papers? Probably about the time the Clinton's release theirs!"

What say we open the lot of 'em, bubbles. Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush1, Clinton, Bush2, Cheney, Rudy, Hillary? Huckabee, Mitt, Newt, Dean, Douglas, the whole shootin' match? I'll take my chances, will you?

That's what I thought.

Out of 10 corrupt pols, at least 7 would be gops. Bank on it.

You really are one clueless-cretin, bubbles.

You don't have a brain in your head or a patriotic bone in your body, punk.

Dismissed.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 10:22 AM, December 15, 2007

To quote from JWCoop10:

"...because a couple of Dem Reps couldn't make it."

"Lose the Ms Nice Guy shtick, Gaye and get a Dem Chair and somebody who knows what they're doing like Sue Minter in a key role."

JWCoop10 - you are a complete idiot.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:31 PM, December 15, 2007

Is anybody really going to notice if the Republican leader is missing? I mean, c'mon, Dems have a solid majority. The GOP has been spinning its gears for years now, and not introducing any real ideas to the debate. Douglas only hangs on because he's a career politician and knows how to press the flesh. A lot of Vermonters are kind of gullible with regard to this phenomona. We're easily fooled sometimes. Hopefully the bulbs are starting to go on, minus Bubba. As for the Dems, they don't have a whole lot to show for being as "powerful" as they want to appear. Somebody needs to light a fire under their asses. I think the public is ready for some serious change.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:47 PM, December 15, 2007

Fair enough. Precisely what sort of change are you calling for?

Moreover, just what are our options?

Not voting for the Dems just puts the gops back in power.

Is that the kind of change you had in mind? If so, count me out.

I'm no fan of Hillary but it took a Clinton to clean up the last Reagan/Bush mess. It's probably gonna take another Clinton or two to clean up the mess this nitwit's created.

She won't put shite on the Supreme Court and she's got something this current bunch is totally lacking in.

Competence.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 10:33 PM, December 15, 2007

JWCoop10 - I still want to know why you bash the Democrats who couldn't make the veto override vote, and then , in the same breath, demand that Sue Minter (one of the missing Democrats) be elevated to a position of responsibility? Do you not see the stupidity and hypocracy of your statement?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:55 PM, December 15, 2007

Anonymous said...

"JWCoop10 - I still want to know why you bash the Democrats who couldn't make the veto override vote, and then , in the same breath, demand that Sue Minter (one of the missing Democrats) be elevated to a position of responsibility? Do you not see the stupidity and hypocracy of your statement?"

I believe the word you're looking for is hypocrisy.

You're welcome.

That said, to answer your question, no.

However, I do see it in your pathetically-predictable attempts to shift the focus from Symington's performance as Speaker to Sue Minter being - as you put it, "(one of the missing Democrats)" - being out of the Country at the time of the vote, however.

For the third time, little fella, as you yourself have acknowledged, Minter was not the only Democrat missing. Other Dems were absent as well. To the best of my recollection, at least one or two of them were not only in the Country, they were in the State of Vermont at the time.

Again, the point of my original post was a criticism of Symington's failure as Speaker to make sure all the bases were covered and that there were more than enough Dem votes to override Jiminy Cricket's veto.

While Symington, the State of Vermont and the City of Montpelier all caught a bad break when Governor Cricket named John Anderson to replace Francis Brooks, but gop-slop happens. That's no excuse.

Again, my criticism of Symington is not of her performance as a Legislator but as Speaker. She may well end up being an excellent Speaker. I think she probably will do just that. However, that does not make her immune from criticism of her past and present performance in that role.

Am I still going too fast for ya, little fella?

Again, if you'd read my original post I raised the question of just what the hell a gop whack-job like Westman is doing Chairing the Transportation Committee - or any other Committee for that matter - when the Dems control the House.

I merely mentioned Sue Minter being placed in a key role because she's well-versed in transportation issues.

So, once again, notwithstanding your pathetically-predictable attempts to change the subject and shift the focus to Sue Minter, was a criticism of Symington's performance as Speaker.

I have no idea what arrangements Symington made with Minter or any other members of the Dem Caucus. Neither do you. You've certainly provided no evidence whatsoever that Minter skipped town at the last second without notifying Symington. Then again, you never do.

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:30 AM, December 16, 2007

Hey, jw, how about Cynthia McKinney for President on the Green party ticket? She's certifiable enough for you, believes we orchestrated 9/11, is an anti-semetic black crazy formerly from Atlanta, now resides in kookland (California)and is supported by all kinds of conspiracy nuts, college professors (redundant) and in general, loons! Even the dimocrats threw her out, which is really saying something in Atlanta! Hell, she could win election to the Vermont House or Senate from Chittenden or Washington County easy! I bet you'd be her campaign chairthing!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:34 AM, December 16, 2007

Then you'd be wrong about that, too, bubbles.

Nice try, nitwit.

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:37 AM, December 16, 2007

"Again, if you'd read my original post I raised the question of just what the hell a gop whack-job like Westman is doing Chairing the Transportation Committee - or any other Committee for that matter - when the Dems control the House."

So, you apparently subscribe to the slash-and-burn, no-courtesy-to-the-minority-party theory of legislating. Congratulations. That's sure enlightened of you.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:51 AM, December 16, 2007

Nice try, nitwit.

The party that controls the Legislative Body chairs the Legislative Committees.

You sure keep provin' what a loyal Dem you are, douche bag.

There's nothing new about that.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:58 AM, December 16, 2007

Bubba's desperation is sadly amusing. Drudging up Cynthia McKinney is reaching pretty damn hard, even for Bubba. This kind of stretch gives me hope that the GOP is finally running out of ammo (except for the personnal attacks) and maybe, just maybe (barring rigged electronic voting) the Dems or an Indy can get rid of these bottom feeders (that's you Bubba) and get this country headed in the right direction, or some semblance of it.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:21 AM, December 16, 2007

"While Symington, the State of Vermont and the City of Montpelier all caught a bad break when Governor Cricket named John Anderson to replace Francis Brooks, but gop-slop happens. That's no excuse."

So where was John Anderson for the veto vote this summer and how did he vote while Sue Minter was on a lark in the Andes?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:41 AM, December 16, 2007

The only illegal electronic voting or any other kind has been in Chicago or other big-city precincts. Remember how JFK beat Nixon? Of course the lefties still cling to the canard that Gore could have taken Florida (sure, as long as only dimocrat precincts were counted and re-counted!)and in the last election, Ohio, except that there never has been, or ever will be a shred of proof that Kerry would have taken Ohio! Get over it, fools, Bush is President!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:34 AM, December 16, 2007

"Remember how JFK beat Nixon?"

Fact: If Nixion won the electoral college votes for the state of Illinois, he still would have lost.

Bubba looses again.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:20 PM, December 16, 2007

Get rid of Symington and lets get on with the future of Vermont.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:07 PM, December 16, 2007

Symington we can live with. Get rid of Shumlin! In fact, why not impeach him - since that seems to be in vogue these days.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:38 PM, December 16, 2007

Get rid of Douglas and let's get on with the future of Vermont.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:38 AM, December 17, 2007

"You've certainly provided no evidence whatsoever that Minter skipped town at the last second without notifying Symington. Then again, you never do."

And you can prove your 7-out-10 Republicans are unethical comment?

There are some uninformed conservatives on this site to be sure, but your statements are every bit as outrageous.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:57 AM, December 17, 2007

"Symington we can live with. "

Symington has shown to play a moderate role at times. Shumlin does not. Douglas does not.

Dump Douglas and Shumlin.

As for Adam's absence: it will go unoticed. He doesn't do anything and never has.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:17 PM, December 17, 2007

It does seem like we would be better off without Symington.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:24 PM, December 17, 2007

Come on Dems - get it together!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:26 PM, December 17, 2007

She's just got to learn how to count noses and votes and to not give away the store when it's evident that Douglas has no more intention of negotiating in good faith than Bush does.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 2:28 PM, December 17, 2007

Remind us again of all the important legislation that "Big Bird" Partridge and Floyd "The Hammer" Nease have had their hand in. I suspect the list is quite short. The only thing they are good at is blackmailing their caucus into walking lock-step on wingnut positions.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 5:09 PM, December 17, 2007

wELL, THERE WAS THAT VERY IMPORTANT BILL TO PREVENT THE TRIMMING OF DOG'S EARS . . .

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:26 AM, December 18, 2007

Anonymous said...

"Remind us again of all the important legislation that "Big Bird" Partridge and Floyd "The Hammer" Nease have had their hand in. I suspect the list is quite short."

In other words, ya got bupkis.

Nice try, little fella, but the track record for your suspicions is rather suspect.

"The only thing they are good at is blackmailing their caucus into walking lock-step on wingnut positions."

And your evidence in support of your assertion is......?

Anonymous said...

"wELL, THERE WAS THAT VERY IMPORTANT BILL TO PREVENT THE TRIMMING OF DOG'S EARS . . .

Given that the dog seems to keep eating your evidence, little fella, I could see how ya might not be predisposed to be a dog person, little fella, but that's no excuse for animal cruelty.

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 11:59 AM, December 18, 2007

Way to not address the issues raised, sport.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:26 PM, December 18, 2007

JWCoop10 said...
What issues, little fella?

Nice try, nitwit.

Gops are retiring because they're tired of losing caucus members.

The only issue is that you have neither the numbers in the Legislature or the support of the People of Vermont because you don't represent their interests and we know your lunatic fringe, warmed-over "take back Vermont trash" views have no basis in fact and we know it.

So, ya gonna tell me another story about what a loyal, dues-paying member of the Democratic Party in good standing you are again now?

Always a pleasure, little fella.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 8:29 AM, December 19, 2007

Ya can't seem to win the Gov.'s seat, though, can ya, asswipe.

Signed, a Dem. who cringes at Symington & Shumlin.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:35 PM, December 19, 2007

Here, Here!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 7:06 PM, December 20, 2007

Anonymous said...

"Ya can't seem to win the Gov.'s seat, though, can ya, asswipe."

Aren't you the little anonymous fellow who just finished telling for the kazillionth time how you loons never stray from the issues and always take the high road while refusing to resort to ad hominem attacks or name calling in any way shape or form?

That's what I thought.

Or was someone else posting as "anonymous" the culprit?

That's what I thought.

"Signed, a Dem. who cringes at Symington & Shumlin."

First of all, little fella, given the fact that you opened your first paragraph of your latest thought-provoking post with "Ya can't seem to win the Gov.'s seat, though, can ya, asswipe.", you've already self-identified yourself as anything but a Democrat.

Again, while I appreciate the thought in the spirit of this or any other Season, there's no need to keep sending me your arguments and/or evidence pre-shredded.

Anonymous said...

"Here, Here!"

Well, once again, if nothing else, at least you've won over one of your imaginary, invisible anonymous friends to your coalition of the clueless camp.

Always a pleasure.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 1:04 PM, December 23, 2007