Vermont Megathread

[Torrain]

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2020/09/30/zuckermans-spouse-slams-gray-on-social-media

Facebook rage or a legitimate conflict?

David Zuckerman's wife lashed out against Democratic candidate for governor Molly Gray last week.

She called her "slimy" and "manipulative." Full quote:

“It is phenomenally sad to think that all of his hard work and dedication to the people of Vermont over the last 20+ years could be ‘replaced’ by a lying, manipulative, self-serving power-hungry individual who has only ever bothered to vote in ONE election"

Personally, I just feel like she's jealous that Gray will probably be in office a year from now, and have a far better shot at statewide office in future cycles than Zuckerman.

She's actually a Democrat, and could be the first woman ever to represent Vermont in Congress. If she's also an incumbent, she makes far more sense for the state party to back than Zuckerman, who is likely done after his probable loss this November.

[Torrain]

https://twitter.com/GovPhilScott/status/1352018566657298433
Phil Scott is not running against Leahy

Maybe not. But if Leahy ends up retiring, then Scott has laid the groundwork to pull the same strategy that Dems have using in Arizona since 2018, claiming to be closer to the values and legacy of McCain than their GOP opponents (I'm sure that line got used in the 2018, 2020 Senate races, as well as the 2020 presidential race).

He can say he's honouring "the spirit of bipartisanship, embodied by my predecessor" and all that kind of stuff.

I'm not saying it would work, but it definitely seems like a strategy. Just depends now whether Leahy wants to run again at 82.

_{On a side note: does America really need a third Senator Scott? You've already got two (SC, FL).}

[Torrain]

_{On a side note: does America really need a third Senator Scott? You've already got two (SC, FL).}

I'd gladly trade Rick Scott for Phil Scott.

Oh, me too, without hesitation - as long as we get Nelson back as part of the deal.

[Torrain]

https://twitter.com/GovPhilScott/status/1367872511099236355
If it wasn't already abundantly clear Scott has no plans to challenge Leahy.

Challenge him? No. Run as the successor to his political brand? Possibly.

Really reminded of this election strategy from 2018:

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, has spent months selling herself as the heir to McCain’s distinctive legislative style — a bipartisan-focused “independent voice” who, like McCain, would “put country over party,” she said.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/31/arizona-senate-mccain-successor-mcsally-sinema-805494

[Torrain]

https://twitter.com/GovPhilScott/status/1367872511099236355
If it wasn't already abundantly clear Scott has no plans to challenge Leahy.

Challenge him? No. Run as the successor to his political brand? Possibly.

Really reminded of this election strategy from 2018:

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, has spent months selling herself as the heir to McCain’s distinctive legislative style — a bipartisan-focused “independent voice” who, like McCain, would “put country over party,” she said.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/31/arizona-senate-mccain-successor-mcsally-sinema-805494

Given Leahy is one of the most progressive Senators, bring on the Phil!

I'd actually be really interested in what a Senator Scott would look like. If he focused on bipartisan achievements, and depolarisation, he could actually be an important player.

He'd still almost certainly be a vote to reinstate McConnell as Majority Leader though, so it's kind of a double-edged sword.

[Torrain]

https://twitter.com/GovPhilScott/status/1367872511099236355
If it wasn't already abundantly clear Scott has no plans to challenge Leahy.

Challenge him? No. Run as the successor to his political brand? Possibly.

Really reminded of this election strategy from 2018:

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, has spent months selling herself as the heir to McCain’s distinctive legislative style — a bipartisan-focused “independent voice” who, like McCain, would “put country over party,” she said.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/31/arizona-senate-mccain-successor-mcsally-sinema-805494

Given Leahy is one of the most progressive Senators, bring on the Phil!

I'd actually be really interested in what a Senator Scott would look like. If he focused on bipartisan achievements, and depolarisation, he could actually be an important player.

He'd still almost certainly be a vote to reinstate McConnell as Majority Leader though, so it's kind of a double-edged sword.

Hence why I'd only support him if he pulled a Jeffords. And that's probably the only way he'd actually win.

Fair - that's probably the best case scenario.

Would certainly be fascinating if Leahy continues to be the only Democrat ever to represent VT in the Senate. Not to mention the irony of VT having a Senator who votes more conservatively than members representing Montana and Georgia.