Deb Markowitz, Doug Racine, and Peter Shumlin have just released a joint letter announcing their plans to campaign together during the Democratic Gubernatorial Recount.
As we prepare for the recount process we wanted to share with you our united plan to ensure that no matter what the results of the recount are, we will beat Brian Dubie in November.
With the unofficial results showing Peter winning by 197 votes, we all agree that he should continue to campaign as the presumptive nominee. We’ve also agreed to campaign together while the recount takes place. Our vision for Vermont is dramatically different than Brian Dubie’s and as this process unfolds, it is critical that Vermonters understand the contrast between Brian’s vision and our own.
See the complete letter from the three highest vote getters in the primary below the fold.
I have been incredibly impressed by the Democratic candidates grace and unity throughout their campaigns, the primary election itself, the close vote, the unity rally, and now the decision to recount. Each of the five candidates honor the meaning of being a Democrat in Vermont. What’s your take?
As we prepare for the recount process we wanted to share with you our united plan to ensure that no matter what the results of the recount are, we will beat Brian Dubie in November.
With the unofficial results showing Peter winning by 197 votes, we all agree that he should continue to campaign as the presumptive nominee. We’ve also agreed to campaign together while the recount takes place. Our vision for Vermont is dramatically different than Brian Dubie’s and as this process unfolds, it is critical that Vermonters understand the contrast between Brian’s vision and our own.
We will all be working together over the coming days to ensure that the recount process happens as quickly and effectively as possible so the nominee has as much time as possible to beat Brian. In addition, the three of us will continue to work together to ensure that fundraising, staffing and other efforts essential to the campaign continue.
In many ways, this may have been the most extraordinary primary in the history of Vermont. All five opponents articulated their vision for Vermont without disparaging each other. The reason that roughly 75,000 Vermonters turned out to vote is because they were energized by these positive visions. Whatever the results of the recount, the Democratic nominee will have this energy, passion, and excitement behind them as they take on Brian Dubie.
Thank you for all of your support.
Best,
Doug, Peter and Deb
Why aren’t Matt and Sue included? I thought the goal of a unity campaign was for all 5 candidates to unify their support behind the winner? Does that include sharing supporter lists and pooling campaign cash now? If you want supporters to follow the winning candidate, our cash contributions should go there too. And our candidate should be included in the summit meeting on campaign strategy! You 5 are an awesome Brain Trust!
I think it’s because Doug and Deb could ask for a recount under the rules; the other two could not.
The Valley News reported that, of 25 Upper Valley towns, Matt won in all but three. Some of his margins were substantial (half of all the votes, e.g.). I understand that Deb could, in theory, win through a recount, whereas Matt has already conceded. Nevertheless, issuing a “unity letter” without including Matt disregards and disrespects the considerable effort and enthusiasm of his supporters, expecially in Orange and Windsor Counties. Such tonedeafness does not bode well. Based on statements that Matt has made, I know that he is more than willing to participate in a unified campaign.