The final hours of campaigning are a frenetic race for candidates to get face time with as many voters as possible – all riding on the hope that some of them haven’t voted yet, and that they can persuaded to vote one way or another. We sent VPR reporters out on the trail with the three leading gubernatorial candidates – we’ll hear from them about what they’ve observed in these final days of campaigning. (Listen)
And political analyst Eric Davis gives us his take on the key factors and polling numbers on the day before Election Day. (Listen)
Also in the program, what’s the value of newspaper endorsements? Angelo Lynn of the Addison Independent explains the tradition, and why his paper could make a choice in this year’s governor’s race. (Listen)
And a few older voters share their memories of elections long past. (Listen)
Listener comments:
Andrew in Rockington:
I live in Rockingham and have been surprised that none of the candidates running for state or local office has canvassed us. I have also seen very few posters in the area although there are many in Chester. It has been hard to find who the candidates are and particularly what they will bring to the office they are running for. Naturally this does not include the presidential campaign but I wonder if any other candidates are serious.
Ken in Norwich:
I am still undecided. I’ve voted for Governor Douglas in the past, but this year feel less certain. I am concerned for the small farms that form the backbone of the Vermont identity, and I do not think that Governor Douglas’ close ties with AgriMark Corporation suggest that he will be out to serve the independent farmer’s best interests. But I have to confess that I don’t know much about either other candidates’ views or stances on helping Vermont independent farmers – especially dairy.
Christopher in Westminster:
The reason I’m not more excited by the gubernatorial race in Vermont is that candidates don’t seem to represent a change. I want to vote for creating the world I want rather than maintaing what exists. That means a different energy policy with renewed investment in railroads and public transit. I’m concerned for the Vermont economy and environment and want government priorites to reflect that.
Jon in Royalton:
It seems to me that if over 50% of Vermonters (say 25% Gaye, 35% Anthony) want someone else for governor, it would not be a bad thing to appoint a new governor.
David in Burlington:
I took advantage of the opportunity to vote early. I voted a few days before the televised debate between the three major gubernatorial candidates. A lifelong Democrat, I voted for Symington. I moved to Vermont several years ago and remain intrigued by the Progressive party. Anthony Pollina’s first comment whenever he was the third to speak hit quite a nerve: Listen to the existing (Republican) governor and the existing (Democratic) speaker of the house. That is exactly the gridlock we have been hearing repeatedly for the past six years. Had I waited to vote until after thiis debate my vote would have gone to Pollina. A major change at the top would change the gridlock, albeit like any such change, the effect would need to be tried to know exactly what would occur. I am ready to take that chance in Vermont. I actually regret voting so early, although it was quite easy and a good experience otherwise.
Michael in Rutland:
I understand that the latest on this is that some Democrats and some Progressives in the Legislature are vowing to support "their" respective candidate if the governor’s race goes to the Statehouse. Does Professor Davis think that when push comes to shove the Representatives will not vote for the top vote getter, as has been the tradition? If so, what do you think the repercussions will be?
Eben in Panton:
The eleventh hour attacks mailed by Governor Douglas towards Anthony Pollina underscore how successful Mr. Pollina has been in this campaign and how low Mr. Douglas feels he must go to win his "sure thing" election. The Douglas attacks, which go after Pollina’s management of the Vermont Milk Company, should be taken personally by each and every small business owner in this state and beyond. Questioning how Pollina could run Vermont if he couldn’t even manage a small business is a prime example of exactly how out of touch Dovernor Douglas is with the massive undertaking it is to start and operate a small business, especially in today’s horrible economic climate. An economic climate, which has unfolded during the governor’s leadership in Montpelier. Say what you will about Anthony Pollina’s management of the Vermont MilkCompany, the real story here is that Mr. Pollina has the guts to try something new along with the understanding needed to help Vermonters realize their true agriculture potential. The fact that the Vermont Milk Company still exists and that one of its investors contributed to Pollina’s campaign should tell us that his ideas have merit well beyond the stuck in the rut farming policies of the Douglas administration.