(There it is, in living black and white.  Inquiring minds want to know if this is indeed Vermont’s Bruce Lisman:  Mr. Transparency. – promoted by Sue Prent)

I recently read an article claiming that Campaign for Vermont’s founder and primary funder, Bruce Lisman, is a member of the Wall Street fraternity Kappa Beta Phi. When I inquired today whether Bruce was still a member the Campaign shut off my ability to comment on their Facebook page. While the Campaign purports transparency and ethics for thee, it appears they aren’t ready to be quite as transparent themselves.

Here’s a link to the story I tried to question them about.

http://nymag.com/daily/intelli…

And, here’s a list of the members of “Kappa Beta Phi: Wall Street Chapter”. Notice Bruce Lisman is listed as a member since 2001.

http://nymag.com/daily/intelli…

Why would they be so threatened by such an inquiry as to shut off access to those asking questions?

What are they hiding?

UPDATE: Paul Heintz writes about Lisman’s involvement here:

http://www.sevendaysvt.com/Off…

I received this email today from a friend. The person who sent her the email acquired the email that appears to be from Representative Jim Eckhardt (R-Chittenden), petitioning voters to “Ask for a Democratic Ballot (regardless of your affiliation) and write my name in as your choice for the Democratic nomination.”

Dear Mendon, Chittenden, Killington, and Bridgewater voters:

I am writing this election eve email to as many of you whose email addresses I can find. Please excuse the intrusion, but I think it’s important to spread the word about the message the current legislator sent out to voters today. He is asking voters to take a Democratic ballot, no matter their party, and write in his name (I’ve included the email below).

I find this a disturbing email – a new low for Rutland County politicking. Eckhardt is running against Anne Gallivan, who is a legitimate candidate, and trying to knock her out before the race is really on. He doesn’t want to debate the issues, or give voters a choice. He’s working to deny voters the chance to hear from two candidates and make a decision.

I hope that you will go to the polls tomorrow. If you take a Democratic ballot, I urge you to vote for Anne Gallivan for State Rep. She’s a smart, community-minded, ethical candidate who certainly deserves the opportunity to debate the issues with her opponent.

As the former Chair, Rutland County Democrats, I am especially upset to see this harmful tactic taking place in Rutland County.

Here is Eckhardt’s email message:

From: Jim Eckhardt [mailto:jim@censorsecurity.net]

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:22 PM

To: Jim Eckhardt

Subject: Important Information for Tuesday the 28th.

To all,

Please don’t forget that tomorrow is Vermont’s Primary voting day. An important day as we get towards the November General Elections.

I have worked hard across party lines for the Residents of my district. I made a promise to represent you and not a party or any special interests. I have kept that promise 100%.

I am now asking you to consider going to the polls tomorrow. Ask for a Democratic Ballot (regardless of your affiliation) and write my name in as your choice for the Democratic nomination. I have done my best to cross party lines and do what is best for you. Can you now do the same? By sending me back to Montpelier as a (D) and an (R) we can show Vermont that people are not concerned with party affiliation, they are concerned with getting things done for Vermonters.

I want to thank you for considering this request. If you should have any questions, comments or concerns I hope you will feel free to reach out to me.

I look forward to a very energetic day at the primaries.

YOUR Representative,

Jim Eckhardt

I this “write-in” tactic beyond the pale, or is it smart politics?