The state GOP urged supporters in an email Wednesday to “MAKE VERMONT GREAT AGAIN!” — a riff on President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. Sent several hours before Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, signed a package of gun reform bills, the email evoked the language of gun rights supporters, many of whom are furious with Scott. The message also used a color scheme associated with the pro-gun contingent — hunter orange and green.
“In recent years,” the email read, “our state has been co-opted by the liberal elite. Out-of-touch politicians have been hell bent on stripping away every right and freedom that Vermonters hold dear.”
But, it continued, “Now is not the time to surrender … 2018 is a critical year for conservatism in Vermont. If we are ever going to return Vermont back to its former glory, we need to band together to toss out every last liberal elitist politician in Montpelier.”
House Minority Leader Don Turner (R-Milton) grimaced when a reporter showed him the email Wednesday afternoon. “I think they’re trying to seize this opportunity to raise money based on how frustrated a lot of our constituents are,” he said. But, “from my perspective, it just keeps dividing us when we need to reunite and finish the session.”
Turner said he’s been trying to bring his caucus back together in the aftermath of the gun debate, during which most GOP legislators parted ways with the Republican governor over measures that include universal background checks and limits on ammunition magazine capacity.
Asked specifically about the Trump reference, Turner said, “It wouldn’t have been the way I would have done it, for sure.”
Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, a moderate Republican from Stowe who voted for the gun bills, went further, suggesting that adopting Trump’s messaging would make it harder for GOP candidates running for office in Vermont.
“This embracing of President Trump and the methods and the sloganeering of President Trump doesn’t help us. He has the lowest-in-the-country approval rating in Vermont,” Scheuermann said. “I don’t know how many people in the party apparatus understand that challenge. As an elected Republican who faces this every day, I can tell you it is a challenge.”
As for what could be interpreted as an implicit jab at Scott, the party’s top officeholder? “He has shown us a way to win and we seem to be just kicking dirt in that path,” she said of the governor.
Rebecca Kelley, Scott’s communications director, declined to comment on the email.
Vermont Democrats were more eager to discuss it. The party’s executive director, Conor Casey, called the communication “absolutely repellant,” adding, “If there was ever any doubt that this is no longer the party of George Aiken or Jim Jeffords, this should clear things up.”
Vermont Republican Party chair Deb Billado did not immediately respond to an interview request.
Read the full email below:
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
I simply love the way Vermont Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot.
Not surprising there’s no comment on the Trump-ist message from pro-Trump VTGOP chair Deb Billado.
It should say MAHA–Make AmeriKKKa Hate Again ! Way to go,Repubs !
Shooting themselves in the foot. Hmm. Do you mean, like . . . running two Progs against the incumbent mayor and splitting the vote?
You insufferably self-righteous Progs say the funniest things! Please, keep up the great work!
I got this email and quite frankly its appropriate considering how things are being done by our elected officials! I think based on all who voted to take away our rights will be getting a wake up call election day! I know I am extremely mad because Scott turned his back on promises he made and caved! One term Scott..we will not forget this..Our second amendment was created to protect us from people like Scott and his goverment!
Most Republicans, myself included, see “staying just right of center” much more desirable than falling into the ditch of the extreme right.
If a vote for Scott is a vote against the Billado/Toensing toxicity of the VT GOP, I’m ALMOST tempted to vote Republican.
Time for old Don Turner to talk Scott out of running for a second term and come up with a republican candidate that will keep his word and have support from the voters that thought they had a winner in Scott.
Just do it, Turner, give us a choice. Do it.
At least we won’t be able to shoot ourselves in the foot more than 10 times without re-loading.