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Campaigns Unite - Letter from Deb, Doug, and Peter

by: Maggie Gundersen

Sun Aug 29, 2010 at 09:08:45 AM EDT


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?

Maggie Gundersen :: Campaigns Unite - Letter from Deb, Doug, and Peter
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  

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Raise Your Voice!
Where are Matt and Sue? (0.00 / 0)
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!

why not all five (0.00 / 0)
I think it's because Doug and Deb could ask for a recount under the  rules; the other two could not.

And Susan is vacationing in Maine. n/t (0.00 / 0)


What about Matt's supporters? (0.00 / 0)
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.

I am sure that both Matt Dunne and Susan Bartlett are on the same page (4.00 / 2)
with the other three candidates.  There is no need to court further discord by suggesting otherwise.  This letter would have had to have been carefully framed and vetted before release, weighing every aspect and implication.  That only the three candidates who qualify to ask for a recount signed the letter was, I am sure, deemed most appropriate by the entire Democratic strategy team.  

We all know how much passionate support Matt had, and still has, from his base, including cross-over support from those of us who would have placed him second.  That being said, I am sure he recognizes the critical need for party unity as well as anyone, and understands that strategic decisions must be made for the party as a whole.  There is always a possibility that the recount might identify additional support for Matt or for Susan, and their supporters are vital to an effective general campaign; so they most certainly remain very much in the foreground as we move on to confront Brian Dubie.


[ Parent ]
On same page, wasn't asked to be a part of this release (4.00 / 3)
Just catching up on GMD. I am definitely on the same unity page and my understanding is that I wasn't invited to be a part of this release because I wasn't within the 2% recount threshold. I was also not in the Burlington area when I was made aware of the press conference yesterday pushing back on Dubie's econ dev plan, but Peter's team did reach out to me.

I have been spending a lot of time at DHMC where Josh is still recovering, and helping get his kids to first days at school along with Judson's first day. That has to be my focus right now, but I will be out there making sure we have a Democrat in the Governor's office.  


[ Parent ]
Wonderful to hear from you Matt! (4.00 / 2)
We all know how important your family is to you, so we greatly appreciate that you have taken a moment to share your perspective here.  

You have an incredibly energized group of supporters who are anxious that their voices be heard!  You carry their support with you (and that of many more who had other commitments this time) as you look to the future; but we know you are more than willing to share that force of strength in the united effort to defeat Brian Dubie.


[ Parent ]
Thanks, Matt! (0.00 / 0)
Hope everything goes well with Josh.  Do what you need to do and let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

Musician, Web Designer, Photographer

[ Parent ]
Best to your brother (0.00 / 0)


It's over at http://ramabahama.net ... only it's still under construction (but so is the rest of my life)

[ Parent ]
Best of luck to Josh (0.00 / 0)
And happy first day of school to Judson!  Please remember to take care of yourself while taking care of your family. We're keeping you in our thoughts.

Beware the Everyday Brutality of the Averted Gaze

[ Parent ]
Matt also... (4.00 / 1)
....has a brother who was hospitalized right before the vote.  I think it's okay if he takes a bit of a break from everything for a few days.

Musician, Web Designer, Photographer

[ Parent ]

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