Nationally, it's been a particularly nasty campaign season across the
country and in this state it has not been much better. The race for
Vermont governor has been contentious and the race for secretary of
state has been even more odious.
Not all candidates have behaved petulantly. Some have tried to focus on
the issues. All it takes is one to bring down the level of the debate,
however, and that has happened in Vermont this year.
There have been exceptions to the negativity seen elsewhere in the
state. The race for Vermont's lieutenant governor has been thoughtful
and issue-focused. The two candidates kept the focus on issues and
their positions, which gives voters the chance to make an informed
choice rather than a hold-your-nose choice.
In Washington County, the six-way race for three Washington County
Senate seats has also been issue-oriented and the candidates from all
parties have treated one another with respect.
Locally Adam Greshin (I-Warren) and Mac Rood (D-Warren), the two
candidates for state representative from Warren, Waitsfield and Fayston,
have run admirable campaigns, each focusing on their outreach to
voters, participating in a very well-attended public forum, answering
questions publicly and treating each other respectfully as members of
the same community who care deeply about The Valley.
That respect has been sorely missing from some of the statewide and
national races this year, and we are all diminished by it, and the level
of discourse is dumbed down.
All hail the end of Campaign Season 2010.
Don't forget to vote next Tuesday, November 2.
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