I had hoped to live-blog from the Unity event, but could not connect to wireless.  ‘Not such a serious loss however, as little happened beyond the expected.  Lots of tribute speeches, lots of applause; celebration of the tremendous turn-out among Democrats (70,000!); and vague references to the nearness of the vote.  

My best estimate is that there were about 300 (+ or -) Dems assembled at Union Station; a smattering of partisan t-shirts among them, but generally quite civil and good-humored.  Of course the gubernatorial candidates were all present and smiling.  Gov’s Kunin and Dean were there and Phil Hoff was fondly referred to, evoking the glory days of Democratic hegemony in the state’s highest office.

There was a moment of silence in memory of the two recently fallen young soldiers from Vermont, during which you couldn’t hear a keyboard click.  Acknowledgement of Chairman Judy Bevens; then salutes to all the winning and losing Dems in yesterday’s race.  First among those to take the podium was Doug Hoffer.  Was it my imagination or did he actually get the loudest cheers from the assembly?  He thanked Tom Salmon for becoming a Republican.  Laughter.   Next was Jim Condos who promised accountability and transparency when he would inevitably take the Sec. of State’s office.  Then Steve Howard, who promised to fight for Vermont’s Middle Class (“middle class values” as he put it, which I found a little odd.)  Jeb Spaulding was mentioned, and all those who had decisively carried their legislative districts.

Sen. Leahy was introduced to thunderous applause and made some remarks on behalf of Peter Welch (who was also there.) He complimented his campaign manager, Carolyn Dwyer; and then presented checks to Jim Condos, Doug Hoffer and victorious Senate nominees.  I asked Doug later how it felt to accept that check from Sen. Leahy and he had a one word answer: “Great!  He said he expects he’ll be getting a lot of advice from all kinds of people now!

They wrapped-up the event with all five candidates for governor, standing shoulder to shoulder on the podium, beaming into the crowd.  No mention of the vote tally; no suggestion of a winner. That was it.  Mission accomplished?

Now we wait… some more…