There is increasing hubbub around the question of replacing Francis Brooks (D-Montpelier) when he steps into the Sergeant-at-arms position. Of course traditionally, the local Party committee nominates three potential replacements to forward to the Governor, none of whom he is obligated to accept – although usually one is chosen. A few people in Montpelier have been either making noises about the slot, or have actively put their names forward. In an unusual twist, one seems to be actively campaigning for the position (despite the fact that the Montpelier Town Democratic committee hardly makes the final decision, and that the town committee is only currently made up of nineteen people), making the whole matter impossible not to blog about…
Get the who’s who below the fold.
The highest profile name in the mix is clearly Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper. Hooper’s initial expression of interest garnered her mention on the matter in two front page stories in the Times Argus within three days (here and here). In addition, she today sent out an already broadly circulating email campaigning for the position:
I hope this is old news to you, but I wanted to share with you directly, my long standing interest and aspirations to serve Montpelier in the Legislature. I have a passion to help people improve their lives and to do this in a way that is appropriate for Vermont. That is what motivated me to run for mayor three years ago. It is what has driven my work in City Hall and what will power my work in the legislature.
We have built, and maintain, a wonderful community in Montpelier. There is much more we, and other communities, can do with legislative support to improve people’s lives in the areas of housing, transportation, hunger, and the environment. I am committed to work for you on these and other issues. You know that I am also committed to carefully listening to all of Montpelier’s residents and acting on your behalf.
The combined media and persuasion push looks for all the world like an actual campaign. I suppose it’s good practice for an election, but one wonders a bit as to whether it’ll matter in the final vote. Hooper is already a shoe-in for one of the Dem committee slots, and the Governor may or may not respond well to such a campaign. Hooper’s expressed desire for the position has, however, kept a few other high-profile local faces who were interested in the role from putting their names forward, according to accounts – so to that extent, it may have worked in her favor. Most agree that Hooper has rising star potential beyond Montpelier’s borders. Whether that works for or against her in the eyes of the Governor is an open question.
Reportedly, popular former Montpelier High School Principal (and one time Senate candidate) Charlie Phillips has expressed an interest (although an unconfirmed report suggests he’s reconsidered). Phillips was highly lauded during his time at MHS, but was not a strong candidate for countywide office, which may make him a more politically safe choice for the Governor, if GOP Senator Phil Scott (R-Washington) is feeling queasy about enabling a Hooper ascendence.
Generally, Hooper and Phillips (in a Montpelier context) would have to be looked at as the more moderate candidates. They are also professionals steeped in the understanding of civil mechanisms, and both have a track record of building agreement in such contexts to generate positive results. The two other names out there would likely bring a more progressive ideological slant to the position.
Although not technically in the mix yet, Matt Levin is strongly considering throwing his name in. Despite a relatively limited time lving in Vermont, Levin has made his name very well known in political circles (and not simply for being the son of US Rep. Sander Levin and the nephew of US Sen. Carl Levin, both Democrats of Michigan). Levin has been the Political Director for the Alliance of Conservation Voters, the Director of the Vermont Democratic House Campaign, is serving as Outreach and Development Director for Vermonters for a Clean Environment, and has done consulting for many local Democratic candidates (including Scudder Parker). Levin is a strong personality and a political pro. Whether that political background would be at play in the Governor’s decision is another open question.
Cary Brown, like Levin, is a Montpelier JP, but the resume similarity ends there. Brown is currently the Interim Executive Director at the Turtle Island Children’s Center in Montpelier and has spent most of the last decade in the education system, directing programs focusing on gender equity and non-traditional skills training for girls through institutions and nonprofits such as Vermont Technical College and Northern New England Tradeswomen. As a Democratic State Committee member, Brown was able to share this GMD diary after the State Committee meeting last year that was dubbed by Freyne as the “Rutland Massacre.” Brown does not have the political gravitas of the others interested, which could work against her in the caucus, but may work for her with the Governor.
Finally, statehouse lobbyist Anthony Otis seems to have taken a keen interest in the race. As he reportedly has not thrown his name into the hat, it’s an open question as to whether or not that interest is on his, or someone else’s behalf, but he’s been reported by a few people to have been chatting the matter up.
Of course the man closest to all this is GMD’s own Jack McCullough, who as Montpelier Democratic Chair gets to be the ringmaster of the big committee meeting. Given his role as arbiter, though, we can hardly expect him to blog on it. We should all feel free to needle him relentlessly, nevertheless…
…and if you’re looking for an endorsement from me, forget it. I’ve been trying to be as blandly analytical as possible here, because I’ve got a conflict of interest as well; specifically, I’m married to one of the candidates (I’ll give you a hint – I’m not the “First Gentleman” of Montpelier). Whether that admission is tantamount to an endorsement is your call. If it is, whether or not that endorsement should be worth a damn under the circumstances seems like a far easier call.
Anyway, one way or the other, I’m sure there’ll be more to say on the matter soon enough…
