[ontheroad]

Thinking about this, I wonder if this could be said, or much of it, for most, if not all, of New England.

Rhode Island politics wasn't much different and I could call up any elected official and get their ear. No one ever asked if I voted for them We all ate or drank in the same watering holes throughout the State.

In Western Massachusetts, this is more or less true--and like RI, I could exchange info with left-right-center most any day.

But not much in the way of a third party in either.

BTW, Bernie Sanders was on Democracy Now today--rebroadcast of the Media Conference down in TN--and boy was he good!

Originally Posted by chaz longue

Vermont politics just isn't understandable using the lens which brings the rest of the country into focus.

Keep in mind VT has a very popular Republican governor, and the Republican party is still a viable political force outside of the small urban centers in VT.

VT also has a viable third party - and has for years.

Also consider the fact that a great number of voters in VT either have MET thier statewide office holders or have had numerous opportunities to do so. Name another state about which that's the case.

Once you stop expecting things to sit comfortably on a simple left/right - Democrat/Republican continuum, it's easier to make sense of things here in VT.

[arel]

Is it true that "liberal" Vermont has a Republican governor and "conservative" New Hampshire has a Democratic governor?

[vter]

Yes. It's true. Gov. Douglas (VT) is very popular. I would say he is more of a moderate Republican. Really nice guy too.
If you're going to move here, you should really learn about our political history. Chris Graff, a former AP reporter in the VT office, wrote a book called Dateline Vermont. It's a very good read and will give you a good political history of the state. Vermont's "liberal" label is fairly new. In fact, Vermont's first ever Democratic Governor (Gov. Hoff) wasnt elected until the later 60s. The we flip-flopped back and forth and have ever since.

[flu189]

Gov Douglas does in fact appear to be a good governor, however, his effectiveness is greatly diminished due to the makeup of the state house in Montpelier. Almost amazing that he was even elected, about as practical as installing screen doors aboard a submarine.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by vter

In fact, Vermont's first ever Democratic Governor (Gov. Hoff) wasnt elected until the later 60s.

When all of the hippies moved to Burlington, right?

[seanpecor]

Originally Posted by arel

Is it true that "liberal" Vermont has a Republican governor and "conservative" New Hampshire has a Democratic governor?

And liberal California has a conservative governor. And conservative Virginia has a liberal governor. And liberal New York has a conservative governor. Wheee this is fun.

Sean

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by seanpecor

And liberal California has a conservative governor.

Ahnuld really isn't conservative. He's part of the moderate wing of the Republican party. Conservative compared to Dennis Kucinich? Yeah, you betcha. Compared to Dick Cheney he's almost a Red.

[pucabear]

My family moved to Vermont 7 years ago for a job transfer and we will finally escape this year. It is extremely liberal and socialist all in one. I disagree with the person who said there is no harrassment of those with conservative views. As a school teacher I have heard it all, and do not agree with a lot of the "liberal" norms allowed in the schools. Listen to Bernie Sanders a while, he is not considered "radical" here...he is revered!

[spunky1]

Originally Posted by pucabear

My family moved to Vermont 7 years ago for a job transfer and we will finally escape this year. It is extremely liberal and socialist all in one. I disagree with the person who said there is no harrassment of those with conservative views. As a school teacher I have heard it all, and do not agree with a lot of the "liberal" norms allowed in the schools. Listen to Bernie Sanders a while, he is not considered "radical" here...he is revered!

I agree completely. When I lived in Vermont I felt like the lone voice of conservatism. Even my friends looked at me like I was from another planet when I dared to voice my opinion. Sometimes I felt like I was from another planet. Don't get me wrong I love that part of the country, and it will always have a special place in my heart for its beauty. But the liberals have definately taken over.

[Colomonter]

Originally Posted by spunky1

I agree completely. When I lived in Vermont I felt like the lone voice of conservatism. Even my friends looked at me like I was from another planet when I dared to voice my opinion. Sometimes I felt like I was from another planet. Don't get me wrong I love that part of the country, and it will always have a special place in my heart for its beauty. But the liberals have definately taken over.

Unfortunately, I have to agree 100%. I have lived here for 5 years and I am a moderate with liberal leanings and I feel like a right wing extremist compared to so many of the people that I have come into contact with.

My wife's daughter went to UVM and had the audacity to display a students for Republicans bumper sticker and it is unbelievable the amount of flack that she caught.

I have heard stories of people's SUV's being vandalized, of various items thrown at them, or the people themselves being verbally abused just because of what they drive.

Again, I have liberal leanings but can't help but feel that the extreme left wing group in this country is the biggest threat to our society that we face today. It just amazes me how open minded and accepting the extreme left is of everybody and everything......EXCEPT for anyone who does not think exactly as they do.