Vermont Business MagazineOn Primary Day last Tuesday, Republicans in Chittenden County added a third name to the two listed on their ballot for State Senate. Former Essex Junction State Representative Paul Dame's name was placed into nomination after receiving the required number of write-in votes across the county. Former representative Dame will now join fellow Republicans Alex Farrell and Dana Maxfield on the ballot in November in an attempt to break up the 6-person Senate District (the largest such legislative district in the country) currently held entirely by Democrats.
Dame said it started at the regular monthly meeting of the Essex Republicans. "I was encouraging everyone to consider writing in names for some of the vacant seats we had, because it would help our committee recruit people for future races in 2020 and beyond. After I finished, current Senate candidate Dana Maxfield turned to me and said "Well, then I'm going to write you in for State Senate!" and that's how things got started."
"I think it is great that he is stepping up to give Chittenden County a third Republican option on the ballot in November." Maxfield said.
Despite getting a late start to the write-in push, Dame was able to capitalize on previous campaigns for State Rep in Essex Junction, and even spent a few hours at his home polling station the morning of the Primary.
"It felt really good to get out there and see people again. It was just a good reminder of why I'm doing this. A lot of people who knew I wasn't running for House were excited to see me," Dame added.
With Dame's addition to ballot, it now brings the Republicans up to three candidates for the six-seat district - a welcomed addition to many.
"I am excited that Paul has decided to join us." said Alex Farrell. "I look forward to working together to fight for affordability and economic growth in our state. Paul's prior experience in the legislature will surely be invaluable in the campaign and moving forward."
With Dame (36), Farrell (25) and Maxfield (33) on the ballot, the Republicans are now competing in Chittenden County, home of several of Vermont's college, with a far younger slate of candidates than the Democratic incumbents.
"Its just a testimony to the fact that there are a growing number of young people who believe in the Republican philosophy of individual freedom and economic opportunity. I'm only 36, but I'm the oldest Republican running for Chittenden County Senate. It just shows that there are far more opportunities for young people in the Republican party, and if you are willing to put in the effort and work hard, you can really make things happen."
The young Republican trio has yet to plan joint campaign events, but do hope to work toward appearing and campaigning together as they head toward November. Each candidate hailing from a different home town, Farrell growing up in Shelburne, and moving to Burlington; Dame a former State Rep from Essex; and Maxfield from Milton; the candidates believe they can benefit from each other's recognition in areas that are not currently served by any of the six senate candidates, and give Democrats a bigger challenge this fall.
"With a 6-person senate district, for many voters who either identify as Independent, or just like a little bit of balance in their elected officials, we can make a compelling case that having 3 Republicans and 3 Democrats can benefit our county and our state by bringing in some diversity of ideas on how to solve many of the same problems every one of us are concerned about." Dame said. "I think that younger voters are increasingly becoming post-partisan," he added. "In one of the youngest Senate districts in the state, I think that gives a group of young Republicans like us a better chance than some are expecting."
Source: Dame 8.21.2018