This commentary is by David Zuckerman of Hinesburg, Vermont’s lieutenant governor from 2017 to 2021, and a former state representative and state senator.
As a recent elected official, I have had numerous people ask me both about my future in elected office as well as say what they think needs to happen. I answer that, for the moment, I am very happily home on the farm every day and am enjoying dinner with my family every night. I am often more interested in hearing folks’ thoughts about what needs to happen next.
Because few are willing to say it publicly, I want to pass on the common thread I am hearing them express.
The majority of Vermonters I have spoken with overwhelmingly consider Sen. Leahy to be a pillar of exemplary service to our state. However, those same people also believe it is time for fresh energy and new perspectives.
With that in mind, people are concerned about two things 1) Vermont will lose Leahy’s power brought on by his seniority and all that it brings to our brave little state and 2) that through early insider information about his decision, his successor has already been “chosen” before we even get to engage.
Everyone recognizes the incredible work Sen. Leahy has done to set Vermont on a strong path going forward. During the pandemic, Sen. Leahy secured more than a billion (with a B!) extra dollars in Covid relief money to boost Vermonters’ health, maintain our economy, and to create the building blocks for a more equitable and viable future for Vermonters.
Additionally, Vermont will be receiving an additional $2 billion in the now-passed infrastructure bill and likely more when the Sen. Sanders-led effort passes the Build Back Better bill. Our congressional delegation has used its seniority to position Vermont with the resources needed to build our future as we rebuild seniority with someone new.
Naturally, Vermonters are also sharing their thoughts on the future. Many are complimentary of Congressman Welch and assume that he would run for the Senate, but they worry we would then have zero seniority in two of our three seats in Congress. They hope that he will remain in the House, as he is currently serving his eighth term and is likely to become a chair or a ranking member on an important committee in the near future.
There is strong energy both nationally and in Vermont for someone with life experience, different perspective, clear conviction, and deep respect for the system. Many are also raising the fact that we have never sent a woman to Washington.
However, they do not just want any woman; they also want a leader who understands the importance of science, whether it be related to climate change, or masks. Someone who understands that 40 years of “trickle-down economics” has led to financial distress for nearly everyone. Someone who understands that education must include critical thinking skills and basic civics. Someone who has core values and will not be a “finger to the wind” politician. Finally, not someone who just jumped into community service recently, but someone with deeper convictions and less insider privilege.
In a recent forum held by VTDigger, “The future of Vermont’s congressional representation,” many names were mentioned as examples of the diverse pool of potential candidates. They included former agency heads, current and past legislators, and others who have been involved in politics, nonprofits and the private sector who have credible experience to step up and lead.
While the panel identified many qualified individuals, many wonder why we do not see more choices that are viable on the primary ballot. The frustrating reality is that, in the past, the successor for high-ranking elected officials has often been predetermined by those in power through using a small network of powerful people and money long before the general public even starts to pay attention.
This has already been happening in the current situation. Hats off to state Sens. Balint and Ram Hinsdale for their willingness to explore the possibility of running even before Sen. Leahy makes his announcement. That exploration alone makes it harder for the establishment to anoint his successor.
I hope Vermonters will have a greater voice in that process before his successor is chosen for us.
Vermont has always been fertile ground for innovation, forward thinking, hard work and community spirit. These are all highly valuable skills for our next congressional voice as we continue the work to balance the economic, social and environmental challenges of our time.
We have many leaders of different genders, sexual orientations, races, religions and more who could lend an important voice for those who are historically under-represented. Maybe this time, some folks will step up and bring fresh perspectives to our system and we will add a new generation of leadership to follow the great legacy that Sens. Aiken and Leahy have created.
Sen. Aiken has been, and will always be, remembered for the great work that he did representing Vermont. Even with his seniority, he knew it was time to step aside. And with that, by electing a Democrat for the first time, Vermonters made history when they voted to have Patrick Leahy become Vermont’s next U.S. senator.
Sen. Leahy will certainly join Sen. Aiken (and others) in a long line of dignified leaders that Vermont has offered to the service of our great nation. I, for one, am incredibly grateful for Sen. Leahy’s leadership from voting to end the Vietnam War, to his work to create the National Organic Standards for agriculture and so many more innumerable to mention. I will also always hold in my heart my mom’s feelings of deep respect for Sen. Leahy’s leadership in civics with dignity.
Just think: What if Sen. Leahy were to retire and, just as he was the first Democrat to go to Washington from Vermont, he opened the door for history to be made again?
He could join former Sen. Aiken in not choosing his successor while also being forever remembered for the great work that he did on behalf of Vermont. In 1974, Vermont made it clear that it was time for something new. People are saying it’s time again.
