I received this email today from a friend. The person who sent her the email acquired the email that appears to be from Representative Jim Eckhardt (R-Chittenden), petitioning voters to “Ask for a Democratic Ballot (regardless of your affiliation) and write my name in as your choice for the Democratic nomination.”
Dear Mendon, Chittenden, Killington, and Bridgewater voters:I am writing this election eve email to as many of you whose email addresses I can find. Please excuse the intrusion, but I think it’s important to spread the word about the message the current legislator sent out to voters today. He is asking voters to take a Democratic ballot, no matter their party, and write in his name (I’ve included the email below).
I find this a disturbing email – a new low for Rutland County politicking. Eckhardt is running against Anne Gallivan, who is a legitimate candidate, and trying to knock her out before the race is really on. He doesn’t want to debate the issues, or give voters a choice. He’s working to deny voters the chance to hear from two candidates and make a decision.
I hope that you will go to the polls tomorrow. If you take a Democratic ballot, I urge you to vote for Anne Gallivan for State Rep. She’s a smart, community-minded, ethical candidate who certainly deserves the opportunity to debate the issues with her opponent.
As the former Chair, Rutland County Democrats, I am especially upset to see this harmful tactic taking place in Rutland County.
Here is Eckhardt’s email message:
From: Jim Eckhardt [mailto:jim@censorsecurity.net]
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:22 PM
To: Jim Eckhardt
Subject: Important Information for Tuesday the 28th.
To all,
Please don’t forget that tomorrow is Vermont’s Primary voting day. An important day as we get towards the November General Elections.
I have worked hard across party lines for the Residents of my district. I made a promise to represent you and not a party or any special interests. I have kept that promise 100%.
I am now asking you to consider going to the polls tomorrow. Ask for a Democratic Ballot (regardless of your affiliation) and write my name in as your choice for the Democratic nomination. I have done my best to cross party lines and do what is best for you. Can you now do the same? By sending me back to Montpelier as a (D) and an (R) we can show Vermont that people are not concerned with party affiliation, they are concerned with getting things done for Vermonters.
I want to thank you for considering this request. If you should have any questions, comments or concerns I hope you will feel free to reach out to me.
I look forward to a very energetic day at the primaries.
YOUR Representative,
Jim Eckhardt
I this “write-in” tactic beyond the pale, or is it smart politics?
He’s the Representative who beat Former Rep. Megan Smith who was embroiled in the anti-business email to a Rutland Restaurant owner…Eckhardt is working my dem friends down there hard.
Gallivan needs to target his base.
Well, perhaps not by email. But in one particular district where it’s been quite difficult to recruit candidates, this happens. Four years ago, there was a Democratic candidate, totally new to politics, and not well-known except in the second smallest town in a four-town district. And the Republican got the write-in vote during the Democratic primary, shutting the Democrat out. Ugly.
NanuqFC
The American people are quite competent to judge a political party that works both sides of the street. ~ FDR, Boston, Nov. 4, 1944