The Vermont congressional races on Tuesday night were uneventfully quiet, almost painfully so. In a surprising lack of competition, Democratic heavyweights U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint sailed smoothly through their Democratic primaries unimpeded. The Republicans didn’t fare much better in excitement, with Gerald Malloy and Mark Coester wrapping up their party’s nominations for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House respectively without a hint of challenge.
Vermont’s third political player, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, who conveniently sits in the safe comfort of his two out of six years term, was conveniently left off the ballot for the night. It’s worth noting that this level of lack of competition from Vermont’s primaries has been absent since 1956, when two stalwart figures of the last century’s Vermont politics, Republicans George Aiken and Winston Prouty, graced the ballot.
For the ever-present fixture in politics, Bernie Sanders, this unopposed primary win is just another tick on his long-standing career. Let’s not forget this candidate, an independent, usually runs on the Democratic ticket just in time to decline the nomination. Though Sanders happily associates with Senate Democrats when it suits him, one wonders at the stability provided by such unpredictable allegiance.
In the November general election, Sanders joyously looks forward to facing Gerald Malloy, the Republican nominee, and a host of other contestants. For Malloy, who conveniently slipped down in the GOP U.S. Senate primary two years ago, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the strong conservative values that have always been at the heart of Vermont’s growth and success.
Interestingly, even Sanders admits to lacking deep knowledge on Malloy. He vaguely recalled meeting him once, after submitting his vote in Vermont’s primaries. Sanders stated his expectation was that both of them would be chalk and cheese on various issues, ranging from abortion rights to minimum wage and healthcare. But, isn’t that the bright line we expect to separate the steadfast resolve of Republicans from the wavering winds of Democrats?
Becca Balint, in the meantime, had an unhindered journey to the Democratic nomination for Vermont’s singular congressional seat. She took charge of this role in the wake of the 2022 elections, where she filled the vacated spot left by Welch. After battling a heated primary against then Lt. Gov Molly Gray, Balint emerged victorious, and as the Democrats continue to emphasize, she’s the first woman and LGBTQ+ member to represent Vermont.
This round, evidently, she didn’t face the same degree of competition. In a display of striking contrast to elections she faced earlier, Balint described the absence of any intense battle as a vast relief. She was notably emotional about the kind of divisiveness and tension primaries often spawn, a common sentiment amongst her Democratic counterparts.
Running against her in November, from the Republican side, will be Mark Coester. A solid embodiment of American entrepreneurial spirit, Coester is a small business owner hailing from Westminster. Last election cycle, he attempted to grab a state Senate seat, rallying under the distinct call for revitalizing American ideals.
Sadly, his forthright display of identity during a 4th of July parade had resulted in his party’s criticism. Despite the slew of baseless accusations, Coester maintains that the accusations were purely sensationalized. Demonstrating an ability to withstand media distortion common towards conservative figures, he brushed off these rumors with a sense of straightforwardness that is rare these days.
His self-description as a pragmatic, common-sense-conservative gives a glimpse into his candid and grounded nature. Emanating confidence and assuredness, he stated that he has excellent chances to win in the forthcoming November elections. This underlying belief in oneself, combined with a steadfast adherence to principles, is a refreshing trait that has the potential to greatly benefit Vermont’s representation.
As expected, a band of independent and minor party candidates are also hopeful of driving Sanders and Balint out of their comfortable roosts. Among them, on the Senate side, we see names like Justin Schoville, head of Vermont’s Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party, formerly labeled as Liberty Union Party. Libertarian candidate Matt Hill, Epic party representative Mark Stewart Green, and independent Steven ‘Steve’ Berry.
The Peace and Justice party is extending its ambitious reach to the U.S. House seat as well, fielding candidate Jill ‘Jessy’ Diamondstone. Also, Adam Ortiz, an independent candidate who managed a mere 1.2% of the votes in 2022, is ready for another gallant but arguably fruitless attempt.
The upcoming general election promises a realbattle, a chance for the pragmatic approach of the Republicans to shine against the often incoherent offerings of their opponents. For the likes of Gerald Malloy, Mark Coester and their fellow Republicans, it presents an opportunity to reshape the landscape of Vermont politics on the guiding principles of true conservativism.
These upcoming elections will reveal whether a genuine change is on the horizon, a change brought about by conservative standpoints that emphasize the importance of individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, and the preservation of American values. The vitality and drive brought forth by the Republican candidates prove beyond doubt that they are ready to take on the challenge.
Vermont Primaries: Sanders and Balint Stagnate as GOP Candidates Prepare to Shine appeared first on Real News Now.
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