Jeffords won't run -- Dem pickup?

[mcd1982]

Read an article in the NYT today about Jim Jeffords of Vermont will not be seeking reelection and the Bernie Sanders may run as a Democrat. But the R gov, lt-gov and others will probably run on the R side.

Who will come out on top? Predicitions?

[Rowdyboy]

1. Well, it won't be a pickup since Jeffords votes with us as an Independant

but Bernie Sanders has an excellent chance. He's been re-elected (as an independant/progressive/socialist) over and over, statewide, with majorities of 65-80%. He's incredibly popular with groups you woudn't expect, like farmers. I think he'll likely win the seat and become the single most progressive senator in America.

I'm thrilled.

[jean]

2. I'm going with Sanders - after reading info Sirota offers on this race - -

There's good info on this opportunity to pick up a Dem seat next year at David Sirota's blog -
http://www.davidsirota.com/

[AllyCat]

3. What are his reasons for not running?

Besides the obvious impending shit hitting fan?

[saltpoint]

5. There has been mention of his wife's health.

[saltpoint]

4. I'm with jean. Bernie will carry the day.

I actually didn't have anything against Jeffords. Pretty darned moderate Republican-turned-Independent and a hell of a nice guy to boot.

[Name removed]

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[last_texas_dem]

8. What makes you think he couldn't win re-election?

I recall polls after he became an Independent that indicated a majority of Vermonters approved of him switching parties and that his personal popularity increased. Vermont may be a traditionally Republican state but they have much different values than today's national Repug party.

[ISUGRADIA]

10. Nice start here at DU, uh Jeffords could win he has strong approval

ratings in VT.

Now the Republican spin machine might try to might try to state that this will be a Repub pickup- but given the status of VT in the real world and not fantasy land Sanders has a great chance to be the first Independent Socialis Senator.

[New Dealer]

7. I think a Dem will win, but it won't be a "pick-up"

We won't gain a seat by electing a Dem, but we'll lose a seat if a Rethug is elected

[PaDem]

9. Bernie is unbeatable if he runs..........

take it to the bank. He'll do a phenomanal job in the senate.

[LimpingLib]

11. Saunders passed up on runs for the Senate before.

His reason was that he would be very uncomfortable ina body so dominated by corperate interests.He sadly decided that he wouldnt have chance to be anything but a gadfly.

He is right.

The disgrace of the nation is the Republican and especially Democratic Senate membership.

Progressives need to at least go where they can be effective. The house is where there is any even remotely significant congregation of progressives who can try and start some small scale seeding of grassroots visions.

The problem is that the stupid a shit base keeps pouring endless $$$ into Senate canidates coffers while ignoring the house races to the point that we cant get good people to even consider running for congressional seats. Deprive our greatest potential champions of wanting to lay it on the line for uphill House races and we already know they know the Senate is a lost cause.

TO make matters worse , the most liberal districts often have "moderate" Republicans whothe base compliments in ignorance saying "I hate to loose this FINE man".. "I might vote for our Republican incumbant,he is a GOOD man".Then when Democrats have a slam dunk general election the DLC manipulates the primary with millions fo corperate $$$.

We dont deserve Bernie.

Im serious.