vt.Buzz ~ a political blog

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

9.30.2008

NEA's choices

Need guidance selecting legislators? The Vermont NEA can provide suggestions for most, but not all races. One key criteria -- whether a candidate will vote to get rid of the two-vote law for school budgets.

The union gave most incumbent Democrats its blessing.

Here are the criteria the union used: committed to overturning the two-vote school budget mandate, to scrapping the federal No Child Left Behind Act’s annual student testing requirements, to increasing support for public schools, raising working families’ standard of living, investing in roads, bridges and other infrastructure and taking care of Vermont’s most vulnerable.

Of the 27 Senate candidates recommended by the board, 23 are Democrats; three are Republicans and one is a Progressive. Of the 124 House candidates, 111 are Democrats, three are Republicans and 10 are Progressives.

Below is a list of Vermont-NEA’s recommended candidates.

Addison County

For Senate
Sen. Claire Ayre, D
Sen. Harold Giard, D

Addison-1
Rep. Steven Maier, D
Rep. Betty Nuovo, D

Addison-2
Rep. Willem Jewett, D

Addison-3
Rep. Kitty Oxholm, R
Diane Lanpher, D
Jean Richardson, D

Addison-4
Rep. Michael Fisher, D
Rep. David Sharpe, D

Addison-5
Rep. Christopher Bray, D

Addison-Rutland-1
Rep. Will Stevens, I

Bennington County

For Senate
Sen. Robert M. Hartwell, D
Sen. Dick Sears, D

Bennington-1
Rep. Bill Botzow, D

Bennington 2-1
Rep. Timothy R. Corcoran III, D

Bennington-2-2
Rep. Anne Mook, D

Bennington-3
Rep. Alice Miller, D

Bennington-4
Jeff Wilson, D

Bennington-5
Rep. Cynthia Browning, D

Bennington-Rutland-1
Ed Weissman, D

Caledonia County

For Senate
Matthew Choate, D
John R. Kascenka II, R

Caledonia-1
NO RECOMMENDATION

Caledonia-2
Rep. Lucy Leriche, D

Caledonia-3
Richard Hall, D
Robert Smith, D

Caledonia-4
NO RECOMMENDATION

Caledonia-Washington-1
Kitty Beattie Toll, D

Chittenden County

For Senate
Tim Ashe, D/P
Rep. Denise Barnard, D
Sen. Ed Flanagan, D
Sen. Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D
Sen. Doug Racine, D
Sen. Diane Snelling, R

Chittenden-1-1
Rep. Bill Lippert, D

Chittenden-1-2
Rep. Jim McCullough, D
Terence “Terry” Macaig, D

Chittenden-3-1
Rep. Bill Aswad, D
Joanna E. Cole, D

Chittenden3-2
Mark Larson, D

Chittenden3-3
Rep. Jason Lorber, D
Rep. Rachel Weston, D

Chittenden-3-4
Rep. Christopher Pearson, P
Rep. David Zuckerman, P

Chittenden-3-5
Rep. Johannah Leddy Donovan, D
Suzi Wisowati, D

Chittenden-3-6
Rep. Kenneth Atkins, D
Rep. Clem Bissonnette, D
Paul Cook, P

Chittenden-3-7
Frank Geier, D

Chittenden-3-8
Rep. Ann Pugh

Chittenden-3-9
Rep. Albert “Sonny” Audette, D

Chittenden-4
Theresa Ann O’Brien, D

Chittenden-5-1
Kate Webb, D

Chittenden-5-2
Rep. Joan G. Lenes, D

Chittenden-61
Rep. Debbie Evans, D

Chittenden-6-2
Rep. Tim Jerman, D
Linda J. Waite-Simpson, D

Chittenden-6-3
Rep. Martha P. Heath, D

Chittenden-7-1
Rep. Jim Condon, D
Rep. John Zenie, D

Chittenden-8
Rep. Bill Frank, D
George Till, D

Chittenden-9
Rep. Reginald R. Godin, D

Essex and Orleans Counties

For Senate
Sen. Robert A. Starr, D

Essex-Caledonia
Stephanie Sterling, D

Essex-Caledonia-Orleans
Bernie Henault, D

Orleans-1
Frank Davis, D
Winston Dowland, P

Orleans-2
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Orleans-Caledonia-1
Nancy Potak, P
Rep. John S. Rodgers, D

Orleans-Franklin-1
Rep. Dexter Randall, P

Franklin County

For Senate
Sen. Donald “Don” Colins, D
Sen. Sara Branon Kittell, D

Franklin-1
Rep. Gary Gilbert, D

Franklin-2
Rep. Richard J. Howrigan, D

Franklin-3
Rep. Kathleen Keenan

Franklin-4
Cindy Weed, P

Franklin-5
Gregory Gervais, D

Franklin-6
Albert “Chuck” Pearce, R

Grand Isle County

For Senate
Sen. Richard “Dick” Mazza, D

Grand Isle-Chittenden-1
Rep. Mitzi Johnson, D
Rep. Ira Trombley, D

Lamoille County

For Senate
Sen. Susan Bartlett, D

Lamoile-1
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Lamoile-2
Rep. Linda J. Martin, D

Lamoile-3
Rep. Floyd Nease, D

Lamoile-4
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Lamoile-Washington-1
Rep. Peter Peltz, D

Orange County

For Senate
Sen. Mark A. MacDonald, D

Orange-1
Rep. Susan Hatch Davis, P

Orange-2
Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, D

Orange-Addison-1
Rep. Patsy French, D
Larry Townsend, D

Orange-Caledonia-1
Rep. Harvey B. Otterman Jr., R

Rutland County

For Senate
Hope Blucher, D
Sen. Bill Carris, D
Cheryl Mazzarello, D

Rutland-1-1
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Rutland-1-2
Barbara Carris, D
Rep. Dave Potter, D

Rutland-2
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Rutland-3
Chris Dinnan, D
Jonathan Gibson, D

Rutland-4
Mary C. Ashcroft, D

Rutland-5-1
Rep. Virginia C. McCormack, D

Rutland-5-2
Rep. Peg Andrews, D

Rutland-5-3
James S. Howard, D

Rutland-5-4
Rep. Gale Courcelle, D

Rutland-6
Ellen Garneau, P

Rutland-7
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Rutland-8
Rep. John W. Malcolm, D

Rutland-Windsor-1
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Washington County

For Senate
John Bloch, P
Sen. Ann E. Cummings, D
Sen. William “Bill” Doyle, R

Washington-1
Rep. Carol Hosford, D

Washington-2
Rep. Maxine Grad, D

Washington-3-1
Paul Poirier, D

Washington-3-2
Tess Taylor, D

Washington-3-3
Jonathan Goddard, D

Washington-4
J. Guy Isabelle, D
Rep. Francis “Topper” McFaun, R

Washington -5
Mary Hooper, D
Rep. Warren Kitzmiller, D

Washington-6
Rep. Janet Ancel, D

Washington-7
Rep. Tony Klein, D

Washington-Chittenden-1
Rep. Sue Minter, D
Tom Stevens, D

Windham County

For Senate
Sen. Jeanette K. White, D

Windham-1
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Windham-2
Rep. Ann Mawaring, D

Windham-3-1
Rep. Virginia “Gini” Milkey, D

Windham-3-2
Mollie S. Burke, P

Windham-3-3
Rep. Sarah R. Edwards, P

Windham-4
Rep. Michael J. Obuchowski, D
Rep. Carolyn W. Partridge, D

Windham-5
Rep. David L. Deen, D
Rep. Mike Mrowicki, D

Windham-6
Rep. Richard Marke, D

Windham-Bennington-1
Rep. John Moran, D

Windham-Bennington-Windsor-1
Tom Buchanan, D

Windsor County

For Senate
Sen. John Campbell, D
Sen. Richard “Dick” McCormack, D
Sen. Alice Nitka, D

Windsor-1-1
Rep. Kathy Pellett, D

Windsor-1-2
Rep. Alice M. Emmons, D
Rep. Cynthia Martin, D

Windsor-2
Rep. Ernest Shand, D

Windsor-3
Rep. Donna Sweaney, D

Windsor-4
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Windsor-5
Rep. Alison Clarkson, D

Windsor-6-1
Rep. Mark Mitchell, D

Windsor-6-2
Charles W. Bohi, D
Kevin “Coach” Christie, D

Windsor-Orange-1
Louise S. Barreda, D

Windsor-Orange-2
Rep. Margaret Cheney, D
Rep. Jim Masland, D

Windsor-Rutland-1
NO RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

Windsor-Rutland-2
Rep. Sandy Haas, P

-- Nancy Remsen

posted by vt.Buzz | 11:46 AM |

Comments:

The 3 big unions have all been critisized for abandoning the Democratic Party after endorsing Pollina - I'd say this proves that isn't the case. NEA, VSEA and AFL-CIO have all endorsed a large slate of Democrats in both the House and Senate races.

It's time for the Democratic Party to run statewide candidates who reflect the values of their constituents and support organized labor. Unions still serve a valuable purpose in the state despite their villification by the right.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:26 PM, September 30, 2008

Gee, what a surprise! The NEA parasites have offered their list of union toadies to be supported by the voters. Same old theme - we want more money and less accountability.

Brought to you by the hacks that have done so much for Vermont ejukashun.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:34 PM, September 30, 2008

Yeah, it's been interesting watching and listening to the Dems grouse about the three big unions endorsing Pollina. I hear some Dems are even threatening retaliation (calm down Dickie). Like a bunch of school children they are. Funny thing is, if you press them, you'll hear them admit that Symington is running a horrible campaign and was the wrong pick.

As you can see form this list, and I would guess the other union's lists, the Dems are still getting the lion's share of endorsements from labor unions.

Instead of kicking and screaming like infants, maybe the Dems should try taking on some of the labor groups core issues and show that they give a damn. But that would require some maturity.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 1:38 PM, September 30, 2008

Fortunately we have plenty of excellent teachers in VT, as well as state workers, who do not subscribe to the bullying tactics of the NEA. The NEA does not want nor expect accountability.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 1:40 PM, September 30, 2008

Any idea on the rest of VSEA's endorsements? Or what about the Vermont Alliance of Conservation Voters?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:07 PM, September 30, 2008

The 2-vote School budget is a sham - and does very little to lower school costs.

Out of a 1.3 billion total k-12 budget for Vt, the 2-vote if maxed out will impact only about 15-18 million - about 1% of total school spending.

You don't vote twice on municipal budgets, or on state budgets- why schools?

Only because it's popular to the right wingers (inc. Gov Douglas!)to bash schools and teachers!

How come no one complains when UVM or State Colleges increase tuition by more than inflation?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:44 PM, September 30, 2008

Thanks Darren.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:03 PM, September 30, 2008

Look again folks, the NEA basically endorsed those candidataes who are the most favored to win, period. The endorsement is worthless and it is shameful. Given that the NEA abandoned the top of the Democratic ticket, it would appear that they are only endorsing sure things. Meaningless and dumb!!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:19 PM, September 30, 2008

The NEA and VSEA endorsements have done wonders for Pollina's campaign warchest! Those 20,000 employees could hardly fill up his piggy bank!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:23 PM, September 30, 2008

Directed @ Anonymous 3:19pm

Please do not pay attention to this rhetoric. Do a quick scan of this list:

Kate Webb running against Rep Joyce Errecart

Jeff Wilson running against Rep Judy Livingston

Matt Choate running for an open Caledonia Senate seat against Housing commissioner John Hall

Diane Lanpher and Jean Richardson running against Greg Clark

Cindy Weed running in a 3way race in Enosburgh

Tom Buchannon running against Douglas right hand man Rep. Rick Hube

Washington-4 district has two great guys running against another popular incumbent

The list continues from there. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THESE ENDORSEMENTS. They most certainly are not "sure things" but they are good people and candidates that could use your help to get elected.

If you live in any of the above mentioned districts or in any of the areas where the NEA or VSEA has endorsed please contribute to their candidacy with money and/or time.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:50 PM, September 30, 2008

Thanks again Darren!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:57 PM, September 30, 2008

How far education has come in Vermont! Supposedly "educated" teachers now need a list prepared by union goons to tell them how to vote. And we wonder why idiots like Bernard Sanders are in Washington.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:49 PM, September 30, 2008

So, Anon 3:50 wants us to believe that the fact that fewer than 10 of the NEAs over 150 recommendations might not be safe, makes the complete list a great act of courage. Comeon! The fact is that the great majority of the NEAs recommended candidates have no real opposition. Thus, the recommendation is meaningless. Now, after the election, the NEA will of course make this great claim about how many of its candidates were elected. Just another baseless political claim!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:42 PM, September 30, 2008

bubba said...

"Gee, what a surprise! The NEA parasites have offered their list of union toadies to be supported by the voters. Same old theme - we want more money and less accountability."

"Brought to you by the hacks that have done so much for Vermont ejukashun."

Sure. That's why Vermont ranks third in the nation behind only Minnesota and Massachusetts and your beloved Mississippi ranks 50th, Bubbakis.

Of course, ten of the bottom 15 States are red. Wipe out ignorance and ya wipe out gops.

You're dumb, you're scum and ya got bupkis. Take it where the climate suits your sheet, schmuck.

Dismissed.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:27 PM, September 30, 2008

NEK said...

"Fortunately we have plenty of excellent teachers in VT, as well as state workers, who do not subscribe to the bullying tactics of the NEA. The NEA does not want nor expect accountability."

And what "bullying tactics" would those be, nekkie boy?

In other words, ya don't know what the hell you're talkin' about and your ignorant anonymous ass doesn't have a case or a clue.

They don't seem to be respondin' to yours, either, nekwit.

Disappear.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:34 PM, September 30, 2008

bubba said...

"How far education has come in Vermont! Supposedly "educated" teachers now need a list prepared by union goons to tell them how to vote. And we wonder why idiots like Bernard Sanders are in Washington."

No, we wonder why incompetent trash like the doogie/dubie debacle is in the Pavilion, bubbakis.

Disappear.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 9:36 PM, September 30, 2008

Anonymous said...

"The 2-vote School budget is a sham - and does very little to lower school costs."

Don't confuse the whacks with the facts. You're playin' chess and they're playin' checkers.

"Out of a 1.3 billion total k-12 budget for Vt, the 2-vote if maxed out will impact only about 15-18 million - about 1% of total school spending."

The difference in cost to heat your home now compared to two years ago is greater than the entire Vermont Education Budget.

"You don't vote twice on municipal budgets, or on state budgets- why schools?"

"Only because it's popular to the right wingers (inc. Gov Douglas!)to bash schools and teachers!"

Well, again, if you're gonna confine the whacks to the facts, you're not leavin' 'em much to work with.

Evidently, it's not class warfare if you attack educators. It's only class warfare is you attack the slime that gop-slime who tanked the economy and have us on the verge on another Depression.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 10:29 PM, September 30, 2008

The NEA is competely out of touch - who cares who they endorse.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:32 PM, September 30, 2008

Anonymous

"The NEA is competely out of touch - who cares who they endorse."

In other words, you're "competely" caseless and clueless, your ignorant anonymous ass has still got bupkis and ya still can't figure out that spellcheck thing.

Thanks for clearin' that up, little fella.

Disappear.

# Posted by:

JWCoop10 | 10:38 PM, September 30, 2008

Aren't you that really fat guy? If you're so smart, shouldn't you know enough to lose some weight?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:49 PM, October 01, 2008

Its time for the NEA to go away...alot of teachers don't belong but are pressured beyond belief to be a "member". Get rid of them and all their pushey lobbyists. Teachers deserve better than they get from those jokers. PLEASE

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:14 PM, October 01, 2008

What a waste of blogosphere space by printing the same list available in the story on the BFP pages

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:52 PM, October 01, 2008

That's because the three idiots that decide what appears on this blog are all far-leftists in the tank for ANY non-Republicans. Notice ALL of their blog starters are ones critical of Douglas, Bush, etc. Jeezum crow, what would you expect from the BFP!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:15 PM, October 01, 2008

So, Anon 3:50 wants us to believe that the fact that fewer than 10 of the NEAs over 150 recommendations might not be safe, makes the complete list a great act of courage. Comeon!

Nope, what I want is one Republican hack that can tell the TRUTH or at the very least be able to read at an 8th grade level.

Never even uttered the word courage but that's the problem for R's, if you keep the conversation about facts and truthful they lose.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:23 PM, October 01, 2008

Auto, steel, airlines, railroads, traffic controllers, and now education. Is there ANY "industry" or profession left that unions can't destroy?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:37 PM, October 01, 2008

Darren Allen is a jerk.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:13 AM, October 02, 2008

We don't care what you think Jason.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:10 AM, October 02, 2008

I wouldn't even want to belong to that gang of thieves. The NEA is responsible for what is wrong with education today.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:29 AM, October 02, 2008

I notice that their latest "ejukashun" inovation in Chicago is to dress up the little kids in Barack Hussein Obama shirts and have them sing "Hail to our leader". I can just picture Himmler and Goebbels beaming at them in a prior time.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 10:08 AM, October 02, 2008