Photos by Cameron Russell
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) launched Together for Vermont – in what it said was the largest and most ambitious coordinated campaign in Vermont’s history – at a Unity Rally last Tuesday highlighting statewide and federal candidates. Candidates attended the rally in the VDP field office in Montpelier and stood united under the common goal of electing Democrats up and down the ticket.
The party said in a statement that Vermonters have the opportunity to elect the most women and LGBTQ+ candidates in Vermont’s history this November. The stakes of this election are too high to sit out. Reproductive freedom, climate change, affordability challenges, and democracy itself are on the line. Together for Vermont brings together our Democratic candidates in a coalition to ensure that these issues are met head-on, from Congress down to local offices.
Rep. Peter Welch, candidate for U.S. Senate said, “In this All Hands on Deck moment, Vermont's Democratic Party is standing together to win November's election. Democrats have been delivering for the American people, and with your votes, we can continue to protect reproductive freedom, bring down costs, combat the climate crisis, and save our democracy. We can only do it together, and I'm looking forward to getting out there and earning your votes alongside historic Democratic candidates.”
Congressional nominee and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Ballint, with Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, addresses the gathering.
Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Ballint, candidate for US House said, “Today, all of us standing here know - the stakes of this election are incredibly high. My mind today is on the threat to our democracy. Every town I went to during this campaign, I heard from Vermonters a deep sense of anxiety and disconnection to each other. All these people here today, who were brave, and ran for office, or are still running, we have the opportunity to reach out and bridge these divisions, one conversation at a time, at the grocery store, at the select board meeting, at the post office. We can do this, person by person in moments of courage. And we must.”
Brenda Siegel, candidate for Governor said, “We are not in a wait and see moment, and we have a wait and see Governor. We need a proactive governor and proactive leadership in all of our elected leaders. We cannot afford to stand still on any of these issues.”
David Zuckerman, candidate for Lieutenant Governor said, “We show that together, with unity, with minor differences but so much more in common, that we will stand together, up and down the ticket and across the ticket with all of our fellow candidates.”
Mike Pieciak, candidate for Treasurer said, “I’m really proud that this moment is here today because I have been looking forward to us all being on the same team for quite some time. And now we will be and we will be there to serve Vermonters, to solve the most challenging problems we are facing as a state.”
Charity Clark, candidate for Attorney General said, “Win or lose, all candidates are all working to make this state we love even better. I am inspired by those who are dedicated to serving Vermont and Vermonters.”
State Rep Sarah Copeland Hanzas, candidate for Secretary of State, said, "I want to say a big thank you to John and Chris; It has been an inspiring process of collaborating, of communicating, of competing, all in the most upfront and honest ways. I want to say a deep thank you to both of you, not only for a well run race but also for your offer of continued communication, help, and support as I transition, hopefully, to be our next Secretary of State."
Leading up to the primary, the Vermont Democratic Party said it has worked diligently to guarantee that Together for Vermont will serve as a solid foundation for the General Election. The party has hired field organizers and established field offices across the state, brought on talented and qualified staff, and established an organization that will benefit the party for years to come.
Anne Lezak, Vermont Democratic Party Chair said, “I couldn’t be more excited about our remarkable slate of candidates - along with the unprecedented support we’ll provide them through Together for Vermont to ensure Democrats win big in November. We will share the message far and wide that Democrats will protect the rights of all Vermonters and tackle the issues that affect us all.”
The statement concluded: "With this Unity Rally, the Vermont Democratic Party has shown that, despite a hard-fought primary election, we are a united front and dedicated to establishing lasting and meaningful change in the state."
8.31.2022. Montpelier. Vermont Democratic Party