When Vince Illuzzi was first elected to the Vermont Senate, Ronald Reagan was the president-elect, The Empire Strikes Back was in movie theaters and John Lennon was still alive.
The year was 1980. Illuzzi was 27 years old.
Over the next three-plus decades, Illuzzi became a fixture in the state Senate and a powerful legislator known for cutting last-minute deals in the waning hours of legislative sessions to the benefit of his Northeast Kingdom constituents.
That storied Senate career came to an end — or at least a pause — yesterday. Illuzzi retired from his seat representing Essex and Orleans counties this year to run for state auditor, a race he lost to Democrat/Progressive Doug Hoffer, a policy analyst making his second run for the job. Riding a Democratic wave that turned out big for President Barack Obama, Hoffer beat Illuzzi by a margin of 51 to 45.
What’s next for the “King of the Kingdom” remains to be seen. For now, Illuzzi says he’ll continue in his day job as Essex County state’s attorney while pondering his options. Standing beside him at the Republican Party gathering in Montpelier last night, his wife, Eileen Maher (pictured), chimed in, “And spend more time with his family.”
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I voted for Obama, and Shumlin, and Beth Pierce, and I also voted for Vince Illuzzi. I am proud of my vote and proud of the work Vince has dedicated himself to for the last 30+ years. He is a Republican who has materially effected the lives of the working poor, small business people, and struggling communities. He’s worked harder to find solutions for Vermonters than he has to further party politics. He hasn’t always been right, but he has never backed down from a fight because he thought it would be easier, or more popular. If he thought Vermonters would benefit, he fought for it.
There has been a great deal of talk about the future of the Vermont Republican party over the past few days. Should they turn left? Right? Should Vermont Republicans follow the national party, wherever it may go? I think the answer to that is clear after this last election. But I do hope there will be more Rs to vote for in the future, and I hope they follow Vince’s storied career fighting for his neighbors (not necessarily his party). There are a few Dems out there that could follow the same advice. Governing is about helping, not always winning. Congratulations to Vince Illuzzi for his dedicated public service. I hope, and know, its not over yet. . .
Vince was the most prominent remaining elected opponent of marriage rights for gays. He took marriage rights for himself while opposing the same rights for others. This is part of his legacy also.