In the Republican gubernatorial debate that followed, Gov. Phil Scott gave a well-practiced performance, dubbing himself a “fiscal hawk,” while challenger Keith Stern accused him of “betraying our trust and breaking campaign promises.”
A few highlights from both:
Democrat Christine Hallquist, former CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative, said she would not pursue a carbon tax, even though she reiterated her stance that charging for carbon pollution would be the most effective way to reduce emission of the greenhouse gas. Without offering specifics, she pledged to reduce carbon levels without a tax. “It’s not going to cost more money because we won’t let it cost more money,” Hallquist said.
James Ehlers, a Democrat and executive director of Lake Champlain International, was again asked to explain old social media posts about abortion. Ehlers maintained that he’s always supported abortion rights, but when pressed, said, “It’s reasonable to question certain late-term abortion practices or live-birth situations and still advocate for a woman’s right to choose. Liking abortion and supporting a woman’s right to choose are not one and the same.”
Democrat Brenda Siegel, executive director of the Southern Vermont Dance Festival, had a ready response when questioned about her lack of political experience. “I’m not pirouetting down the street in Brattleboro,” she said, casting her small organization as an economic driver for the area.
The final Democratic candidate, Ethan Sonneborn, who is 14, was similarly prepared when asked about his age. “I think Vermonters should take me seriously because I have practical progressive ideas and I happen to be 14, not the other way around.”
Stern, who’s running to the right of the governor, suggested that he would cut state spending by getting rid of all deputy commissioner and assistant secretary positions. He stumbled in response to a question about how he’d address racial disparities in police searches, saying, “We will keep monitoring the figures and if it doesn’t seem like it’s fair, we’ll have to do something about it.”
Stern was better prepared to go after Scott in his closing statement: “The governor has betrayed our trust. He has broken campaign promises. He takes fellow Republicans for granted. He makes deals with Democrats and Progressives to protect his political career.”
The primary election is on August 14.
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And Keith Stern apparently doesn’t know that the office of Lieutenant Governor is established by the Vermont Constitution (he included the lieutenant governor along with deputy secretaries and deputy commissions when asked what state jobs he would cut.) Surprised no one asked why he won’t release his tax returns…
Reporter shortchanged Brenda Siegel. Yes, she has created an economic driver in her city, but she also spends a lot of time in Montpelier testifying and monitoring bills in committee. She would bring a fresh perspective to the challenges that face Vermont today, with a focus on building our economy from the grassroots — investing in our people and supporting families with excellent child care programs, a strong education system, single payer health care, and livable wage jobs. She showed us she understands what it will take to attract young families to Vermont, and the role of small businesses in building a sustainable community. She was outstanding in the WCAX forum.