When is it okay in Vermont politics to befriend the enemy? asks VtBuzz.
Until last week, Campbell was there with a quote [on Scott’s webpage] praising Scott’s non-partisan approach, and it caused a furor. […] What was wrong with Campbell saying nice things about his friend? Campbell is a Democrat, Scott a Republican. We’re in an election. Apparently, this is no time for cross-party niceties.
“Befriend an enemy?” Aw, come-on!
No one should fault Campbell for his friendship with Phil Scott and Vince Illuzzi or want them to be enemies (Phil Scott is a part of Shumlin’s cabinet after all). However for those voters not familiar with the ins and outs of Montpelier’s good ol’ friendship network, Campbell’s significant presence on Scott’s campaign page and by candidate Illuzzis’ side could have appeared to be an endorsement of sorts beyond “cross-party niceties”.
What could this be called, an inadvertent endorsement or collateral campaigning? Couple this no publically discernable effort by Campbell for his own party’s candidate (and Scott’s Democratic opponent) Cassandra Gekas, or Illuzzi’s Democratic challenger for Auditor, Doug Hoffer – have you seen any? I sure haven’t! – and a raised eyebrow or two isn’t out of line over the behavior but not over the friendship itself.
It is a little surprising that the Free Press seems almost shocked Apparently, this is no time for cross-party niceties by this hubbub because back in June Vt Buzz happily buzzed the news Campbell joins arms with Illuzzi (at a spay/neuter clinic benefit no less).
Lest you think this is just a couple of senators highlighting a program they support, consider that the news release announcing the event is titled: “President Pro Tem John Campbell and Auditor Candidate Vince Illuzzi Celebrate VSNIP Program.”
Somebody was thinking of Illuzzi as an auditor candidate, not a state senator, when this event came together.
Well true friends don’t let friends betray their principles … if they have any beyond patting each other on the back and shoring up their (eh) bully pulpits.