The Nifty Fifty House Party - Part XXX: Vermont

Last time, it was a quick race and fast break through the state of Indiana, a traditional red state in a sea of blue. Now, the Bullet Train to November is taking another trip eastward, going to a small state that differs geographically (in a sense) from its regional brethren but has a very unusual political perspective...

VERMONT

Originally part of a French colony that became known as New France in 1609, Dutch and British settlers, along with more French settlers, began to arrive here. Eventually, New York, New Hampshire and (for a while) Massachusetts laid claim to the land leading up to the creation of the New Hampshire Grants which led to an independent Vermont on January 18, 1777. On March 4, 1791, Vermont became the 14th state (and the first outside of the original 13 colonies) admitted to the Union.

Today, while Vermont may not have a coastline unlike the rest of New England, it makes up for it with the geographical feature in its nickname, the Green Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains and are described as such due to their extensive forests which withstand even the harshest conditions in the winter such as snowfall. Another prominent geographical feature is Lake Champlain, which covers half of the state's western border with New York. The state also produces one-quarter of the nation's maple syrup (275,000 US gallons to be specific) and has a growing base of specialty foods and novelties exported nationally such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream products.

Vermont's political attitudes are unique. The state, one of four that previously was its own country, was a Republican stronghold (even consistently voting against Franklin D. Roosevelt in each of his elections) until the 1970s and is now a favorably (but not overwhelmingly) Democratic state. Voters here have many choices when it comes to their candidates, as there are no laws that restrict the participation of third parties in elections, the largest being the Liberty Union and Vermont Progressive parties. Interesting facts: Vermont is the only state that has not been visited by President George W. Bush, and the town of Brattleboro recently voted for a petition calling for the indictments of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for violations of the U.S. Constitution. With only one congressional seat, no Senate seat up for grabs this year, and a fairly notable gubernatorial race (incumbent Republican Jim Douglas is favored, but not guaranteed, to win re-election), not much is happening this year in Vermont.

At-Large (S-Factor 9.0 DEM): When self-described Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders jumped to the U.S. Senate to succeed Republican-turned-independent Jim Jeffords, this race became a relatively competitive one with Democrats offering up Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Welch and Republicans recruiting Martha Rainville, then the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard (yes, the Green Mountain Boys). Both candidates promised clean campaigns, with Welch prevailing 53%-45%. No Republican is on the ballot this year, but two third-party candidates are on the ballot, typical given the nature of Vermont's unpredictable politics: retired nurse and Socialist activist Jane Newton (Liberty Union) and Iraq War vet Thomas James Hermann (Progressive). Also running: independents Mike Bethel (a community activist), Cris Ericson (a pro-marijuana activist), and Jerry Trudell (a photographer). Prediction: Solid DEM.

Next stop: Georgia.