If Chittenden County is the heart of Democratic Vermont, Franklin County is it's arthritic right shoulder.  I can say that because I love the place and am one of the stalwarts who regularly apply the necessary analgesic. Be that as it may, Bernie Sanders is generally  a good draw up here, and he was the headliner in this morning's breakfast rally at the Franklin County Museum for Peter Shumlin and the entire Democratic Roster.  

Sharing the stage with Bernie and Peter were candidates Steve Howard, Jim Condos, Doug Hoffer, former candidates Doug Racine and Susan Bartlett, and Franklin County Democratic Senator Sarah Kittell. Randy Brock challenger Michael McCarthy provided coffee and treats from his "Cosmic Bakery;" and reps. Jeff Young, Kathy Keenan, Michel Consejo and Dick Howrigan were all in attendance. For that sizeable delegation of elected representatives and hopefuls, there was an audience of about sixty enthusiastic Democrats and Progressives on hand.

Last evening's smaller local rally at Dem Headquarters on Main St. did almost as well, as over fifty individuals packed the tiny space, cheek to jowl, downing hot cider after a  brisk honk-and-wave to cheer speeches by Peter Welch, Peter Shumlin and Sara Kittell. I saw some duplication in the crowds, but many people who were in the Friday night group didn’t make it to the Saturday morning event.

The message at both events was resoundingly GOTV.  This morning Bernie was at his rousing best, emphasizing all that is at stake in this election, not just for Vermont but for the whole country.  We were well-reminded of the unique role our little state can play in spear-heading a move to single-payor and truly clean energy industries with the potential to bring a vibrant middle-class back from near extinction after many long years of Republican dominance over the nation's economic outlook.

Peter followed Bernie, reiterating his commitments to single payor, early childhood education and rational penal reform.  He placed particular emphasis on his support for marriage equality and a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices.  As he had done the evening before, he promised that no matter how many lies Brian Dubie rolls out in his attack ads, he will never stoop to that level.

Susan Bartlett and Doug Racine held the final spot on the agenda, both reiterating their unwavering support for Peter Shumlin and urging the audience to step up to the plate and GOTV. I thought Doug was in particularly good form, looking rested at last, bringing with him all of the sincere conviction that we saw in his own grassroots campaign.  After the last round of standing applause, the crowd was exhorted one last time to sign up for a spot on the duty roster for GOTV as they filed out of the auditorium with yard signs and bumper-stickers. These Franklin County Democrats want everyone to know that they are most definitely not for Dubie!