Jeffords to Retire at End of Term

[OnBackground]

from Roll Call

<blockquote>Despite repeated assertions that he relished another election fight, Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.) reversed course Wednesday afternoon and announced that he would not seek re-election in 2006. Jeffords reportedly did not take questions during a brief news conference in Burlington but he did try to deflect rumors about his health. </blockquote>
--snip--
<blockquote>Rep. Bernie Sanders (I) has made clear that he is ready to jump immediately into any open Senate race in the Green Mountain State.

Democrats could give Sanders, who often votes with them, a pass while Republicans are expected to turn to either Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas or Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie for the Senate race.

Another Democrat to watch is Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle.</blockquote>

[mapatriot]

1. Out of touch!!

Roll Call appears to be totally out of touch on this issue. Republican's will likely try to keep Douglas in as Gov. If he leaves, the dems will definetely capture the governorship. Lt. Gov. Dubie will run for Sander's house seat. Likely that dems will support Bernie. IF there's a dem candidate, it will likely be Vt. Guard Adj. General Martha Rainville. Clavelle wore out his short time as a dem (he's really a prog) when he recently was pummelled by Douglas for governor.

The repub. candidate is almost sure to be multi-millionaire, IDX founder, Richard Tarrant who is believed to be ready to spend $5 - $10 million of his own funds on this race.

[flaminbats]

2. a Republican with a positive attitude..

I will never forget those first few months after Clinton took office. Republicans attacked him every chance they could..on gays in the military, tax increases, and on healthcare reform. Jeffords was one of the few who didn't, John Chaffee was another.

When Clinton proposed his healthcare plan, most Republicans didn't even bother to learn about it or try to work for a compromise..they just trashed it as socialized medicine, a government takeover of healthcare, and as another excuse just to create more bureaucracy. But Jeffords read the plan..and he liked it. He was the only Republican who said he would vote in favor of it..just like he was one of the first to stand up and oppose Bush's taxcuts. Jeffords was right to become an independent, and if he was just ten years younger..he would be my leading candidate for President in 2008.

Too bad more Republicans and Democrats have not followed his example, because his leadership and rejection of dirty politics has given us all something to be proud of! :thumbsup: