Editor’s note: Because of a problem with vtdigger.org’s camcorder microphone, the sound for this video is best heard through earphones.
Gov. Jim Douglas says he won’t veto a bill that moves the primary election date up three weeks – from Sept. 14 to August 24. The Republican governor, who has opposed passage of S.117 since it was proposed by Democrats in the Legislature last session, said he will leave the bill unsigned.
The Legislature is expected to move ahead with final passage of S.117 this week.
Douglas said the spirit of cooperation between the administration and the Legislature is important to protect as the two branches of government grapple with the budget deficit. He explained that he didn’t want to impede progress on the second phase of Challenges for Change legislation.
“Compared with what we need to deal with (the budget deficit) this is a fringe issue,” Douglas said.
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One wonders what such an earlier date will mean in terms of lower voter turnout, including among some college-aged students?
Then, with Brian Dubie not facing a primary, there could be Democratic primary spoilers (i.e., Republican cross-overs) voting for the Democratic candidate that Dubie is more likely to beat.
Thus, it is no wonder why Governor Douglas decided to let the primary bill become law without his signature and also no wonder why so many Republicans voted for the bill within the state legislature, there is nothing for them to lose by doing so.
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I cant help but wonder ,is the gov. just tired of fighting an almost totally left leaning state govement. Vermont’s problems today should be a road sign for progressive accomplishment . Not much to be proud of.