Jobs and the economy are the overarching themes of campaigns for the Vermont House this year. Campaign coordinators for the Republican and Democratic parties both say that issue plays to their candidates’ strengths.
Democrats say the Republicans have controlled the House for the past two years and haven’t made substantive improvements. But Republicans say Governor Howard Dean’s administration is responsible for the economic downturn.
Both parties are working hard to take control of the House in January. Republicans currently have the majority, with 82 seats. Democrats have 63 seats and Progressives and Independents have the rest.