Knocking on doors in Vermont, you are bound to run across some folks that are smart, informed, concerned, reasonable… and then you find out that they are Republicans! Throws ya for a loop, it does.
It struck me over the past few days with the passing of Sen. Stafford, retirement of Sen. Jeffords and even Pres. Ford’s passing that this might also be a passing of an era for VT Republicans. Not the elected ones, but the regular folk.
They are grounded on economic matters, tolerant on social issues, and compassionate about helping neighbors genuinely in need. They want a government that is frugal and efficient in the best Yankee tradition. They don’t want to go butting into everyone’s personal business, and they especially don’t want anyone preaching to them about what they should and should not do with their lives.
What stuck with me was the realization that, more and more in the country and now even in VT, the elected Repubs speak for a party that does not represent these people. Stafford did. Jeffords did. For some of them, Bernie does on populist economic issues. I don’t think Douglas speaks for these folks though. Dubie… I do think that his down-home, plain-spoken thing connects with this block and was a big part of his success. But the governor and certainly the national party have disconnected with these VT “Stafford/Jeffords” R’s.
Got me thinking about if there were any potential Dems who could tap into this neglected constituency in the next Gubernatorial race. Going by the most prestegious source I could find, the GMD Governor’s Poll, here’s some quick thoughts on the top potential candidates, just in regards to this open voting block opportunity and their ability to tap into it.
Parker: I think he can connect with these folks. He’s got the quiet moral integrity, might be a little to wonkish on the issues though?
Dunne: It could be hard for Matt taking advantage of this angle because his personal style is just so darned polished, but he has to be making inroads with his community service approach.
Markowitz: I don’t really know her that well or her style so its hard for me to say, but I do think she has developed a reputation for competency and just plain getting the job done in the SOS office that would help.
Spaulding: He’s got a beard and his name is Jeb, that’s a good start. He’s a pretty down to earth guy. Have to see how his policies would take shape.
Symington: Another one I don’t know well. As Speaker, will VT’ers think she’s more suited to insider politics? That’s my first, uninformed thought.
Tracy: Strikes me as an sharp, effective pol who takes a stand for what he thinks, not a natural connection with this block but could possibly work into one.
Sorrell: Doesn’t seem like a guy who would be a good match here, seems more… sophisticated or something. Can he connect?
Shumlin: I don’t think so, always sounds to me like he’s lecturing folks.
Again, this commentary is only in relation to the observation I had about there being a potential block of neglected Stafford/Jeffords Rep’s out there, not on these folks’ overall strengths as Dem candidates. AND, that’s my view from way outside the Montpelier beltway, feel free to add your own thoughts of course.
Looking at it from this angle, I think Parker is best suited to expand the base into this Yankee bloc. Anyone else not mentioned yet that ties into this line of thinking for you?