Just in case you live in a delusional cave and don't realize this, let me state from the start that a newspaper's political endorsements are made by the editorial board, which is separate from those of us covering the news. I didn't know who the Free Press was endorsing any earlier than you did. So spare me any innuendos.
OK, we got that over with. Now, let's talk about the endorsements.
The Free Press, the Rutland Herald/Times-Argus, the Stowe Reporter, the Caledonian-Record have all endorsed Republican Jim Douglas.
The Bennington Banner (an I presume the affiliated Brattleboro Reformer, though I can't prove it right now) has endorsed independent Anthony Pollina.
If you've seen others, chip in. Democrat Gaye Symington seems to have been left out.
Some excerpts:
BFP: "During the past two years and during the campaign, Republican Douglas has shown himself to be the candidate with the clearest understanding of the budget challenges that face state government."
RH/TA: "Neither of Douglas' challengers has made a convincing case that Vermonters ought to risk a change of leadership at such a crucial moment."
Stowe: "Although Pollina has all the campaigning skills that Symington does not, he also possesses none of her experience. Who knows who Pollina would be were he to be placed in a position of authority and decision-making? These times are too precarious to risk on an unknown."
Banner: "Vermont's chance of breaking the logjam in Montpelier would be greatly enhanced with the election of Mr. Pollina on Nov. 4. We believe his independent stature would allow him to work with both Democrats, who often agree with his views, and with the Republicans, who haven't repeatedly clashed with him, as they have with Speaker Symington."
- Terri Hallenbeck
