All posts by The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

Proof that every vote counts – Vermont Democrat wins by a single ballot

[Cross-Posted at DLCC.org]

There must have a been a moment during this year’s campaign when Democrat Sarah Buxton, at the end of a long day knocking on doors or calling potential voters, told herself “I’ll keep going today until I talk to one more voter.”

She must also be very glad she did, because Buxton has now won by just a single vote:

Democrat Sarah Buxton exited the Superior Court in Woodstock to applause after being declared the official representative-elect of the Royalton-Tunbridge district. The race was separated by just one vote the day after the election– and it was still not decided after Monday's recount.

“I feel like we can toast tonight with some degree of surety that it's finally the end,” Buxton said Tuesday.

The ruling was made by Judge Katherine Hayes, who determined Tuesday that the last recount ballot in question was clearly intended for Buxton, giving her a one-vote lead over Republican David Ainsworth– and therefore making her the winner of the election.

“It is important for me to remember that I only won by one vote and I will keep that in mind throughout my entire term because I have to appeal to the 880 other people who didn't vote for me,” Buxton said.

This race was initially tied on Election Night, but the recount shows Representative-Elect Buxton has defeated the Republican incumbent in this district.

Her GOP opponent has ten days following Judge Hayes’ ruling to file an appeal.

WPTZ News sat down with Buxton during the recount to discuss the lesson every eligible voter should draw from the result.

2010 Essential Races – Who Would You Support?

[cross-posted at www.DLCC.org]

Let's try something different:  Which legislative races do you care about?

Out of over 6,000 state legislative districts up for grabs this year, we've chosen 40 key races to highlight on our 2010 “Essential Races” list.  These are 40 critical races that we anticipate will show which way the political tide is turning this fall.

But we recognize our own limitations. There are plenty of other key races all across the country — so we're asking for your help in identifying them.

For the next few weeks, we'll be accepting nominations from the public for 10 additional state legislative races to be added to our 2010 “Essential Races” list.

Anyone can submit a nomination.  Any campaign for state legislature in 2010 is eligible.

It only takes a few clicks, and it could potentially make a huge difference.

Click here to nominate an Essential Race today!

Back in 2008, the Essential Races chosen through public nominations included a lot of campaigns in battleground states, but they also included a few campaigns in states that weren't top targets, but where something about the district or the Democratic nominee made the race unique and deserving of special attention.

We might have overlooked some of those key races without your help, and we'd be foolish not to ask for it again this year.

So who should we add to the list, and why?

Please visit www.dlcc.org/2010Races to nominate an Essential Race today!

Sincerely,

Michael Sargeant
Executive Director
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee