State of Vermont Archives: on Government Reform
Bernie Sanders:
Sovereign rights & voting rights for Native Americans
Native Americans are the first Americans, yet they have for far too long been treated as third class citizens. It is unconscionable that today, in 2016, Native Americans still do not always have the right to decide on important issues that affect their
communities. The US must not just honor Native American treaty rights and tribal sovereignty, it must also move away from a relationship of paternalism and control and toward one of deference and support. Time and time again, our Native American
brothers and sisters have seen the federal government break solemn promises, and huge corporations put profits ahead of the sovereign rights of Native communities. Bernie will stand with Native Americans in the struggle to protect their treaty rights,
advance traditional ways of life, and improve the quality of life for Native communities.
Bernie will stand with Native Americans to fight for Indian voting rights, just as he will defend the franchise in minority communities across the country.
Source: 2018 Vermont Senate campaign website BernieSanders.com
Nov 1, 2018
Brooke Paige:
Implement ethics and transparency rues for state government
Brief Outline of the Issues: Ethics and Transparency in Government- Develop, implement and enforce Ethics Rules for the Legislative (Senate) & Executive Branches.
- Make the "Financial Records" of the state accessible
on-line to improve transparency and restore citizen confidence that the state is being run efficiently free of waste corruption and fraud.
Source: 2018 Vermont Senate campaign website BrookePaige.us
Aug 14, 2018
Christine Hallquist:
Work with state & locals to fix campaign finance system
Address broken campaign finance system and work with existing state and local models to combat this issue.
Research and implement local publicly funded elections, rather than solely offering public financing in statewide elections.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
David Zuckerman:
No voter IDs; yes independent redistricting
Q: Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates: Individual?Yes.
Q: Political Action Committee?
Yes.
Q: Corporate?
Yes.
Q: Political Party?
Yes.
Q: Should candidates for state office be encouraged
to meet voluntary spending limits?
Yes.
Q: Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
No.
Q: Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
No.
Source: Vote Smart Vermont State 2014 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2014
David Zuckerman:
Supports limits on campaign financing
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?David Zuckerman: Yes. Supports limits on campaign financing.
Opposes current system that he says gives corporations too much power and makes it hard for people to run for office.
Phil Scott: No position found.
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Gerald Malloy:
Wished he had protested Jan. 6 over 2020 election
Although Malloy has avoided explicitly identifying with former President Donald Trump, he did tell Vermont Public he voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Asked about the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol,
Malloy told Vermont Public he "wished" he'd been there to protest but added that the people who broke the law -- such as those who attacked law enforcement officers -- need to be held accountable.
Source: VT Digger on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Aug 4, 2022
Jim Douglas:
Vetoed campaign donations restrictions & identifying donors
Gov. Douglas VETOED a bill on Campaign Finance Limitations: Vermont legislative findings for S.278:
Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk
and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large
contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.Identification of persons who publish political
advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278
Apr 25, 2008
Keith Stern:
Term limits will slow down path to lobbying
I fully support the concept of term limits. Our founding fathers fully intended the bodies of our constitutional republic be comprised of citizen legislators. There is no legitimate reason I can think of that this principle should not apply to the
individual States. I am willing to impose upon myself not to exceed 3 terms. I would work with the House and Senate to sign into law, legislation that would prohibit any individual from becoming a registered lobbyist within 3 years of their departure.
Source: 2018 VT Gubernatorial campaign website VermontGetsStern.org
Sep 18, 2018
Patrick Leahy:
Citizens United decision strikes at core of our democracy
Leahy has called the Citizens United decision a strike at the core of our democracy with few other decisions having such a negative impact on our political process. As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, he led the debate for a Constitutional Amendment to
rein in the influence of billionaires and make clear that corporations are not people, and worked to protect the voting rights of individual Americans. Leahy authored the Voting Rights Advancement Act and champions the fundamental right to vote.
Source: 2021 Vermont Senate campaign website LeahyForVermont.com
Jun 22, 2021
Peter Shumlin:
Elect President by popular vote, not Electoral College
Sen. Shumlin SPONSORED the proposed bill: Vermont legislative summary for S.34:
- Agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote.
- Each member state shall conduct a statewide popular election for
President.
- The chief election official of each member state shall add such votes together to produce a "national popular vote total" for each presidential slate.
- The chief election official of each member state shall designate one presidential
slate as the "national popular vote winner."
- Each member state shall appoint the elector slate associated with the national popular vote winner.
OnTheIssues explanation: This bill proposes a method to ensure the popular election
of the president without requiring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Electoral College.Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 15-10-4; died in House without a vote.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.34
Feb 27, 2009
Peter Shumlin:
Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors
Sen. Shumlin voted YES on overriding the governor's veto of Campaign Finance Limitations: Vermont legislative findings for S.278:
Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk
and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large
contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.Identification of persons who publish political
advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278
Apr 25, 2008
Phil Scott:
Keep Electoral College instead of presidential popular vote
Sen. Scott voted NO on the proposed bill: Vermont legislative summary for S.34:
- Agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote.
- Each member state shall conduct a statewide popular election for
President.
- The chief election official of each member state shall add such votes together to produce a "national popular vote total" for each presidential slate.
- The chief election official of each member state shall designate one presidential
slate as the "national popular vote winner."
- Each member state shall appoint the elector slate associated with the national popular vote winner.
OnTheIssues explanation: This bill proposes a method to ensure the popular election
of the president without requiring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Electoral College.Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 15-10-4; died in House without a vote.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.34
Feb 27, 2009
Phil Scott:
Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors
Sen. Scott voted YES on overriding the governor's veto of Campaign Finance Limitations: Vermont legislative findings for S.278:
Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk
and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large
contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.Identification of persons who publish political
advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278
Apr 25, 2008
Rebecca Holcombe:
Public has the right to know leaders work for public
The public has a right to know that its leaders work for the public, and not for well-resourced special interests.
I will work to rebuild public trust in state institutions by strengthening requirements related to ethics and transparency across all sectors of government.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website RebeccaHolcombe.com
Jan 23, 2020
Rebecca Holcombe:
Rebuild trust by strengthening ethics requirements
The public has a right to know that its leaders work for the public, and not for well-resourced special interests.
I will work to rebuild public trust in state institutions by strengthening requirements related to ethics and transparency across all sectors of government.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website RebeccaHolcombe.com
Mar 26, 2020
Scott Milne:
Washington gridlock results from too-long incumbency
The Pomfret businessman filed petitions to get on the primary and general election ballots, challenging Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, the longest-serving U.S. senator in history. Milne plans to make Washington gridlock and Leahy's 42 years in office
top issues. He said Leahy has "never held a private sector job," and contributes to DC partisanship. (Leahy, in fact, worked as a lawyer in private practice in the late 1960s.)Branding himself a "problem solver" who is fiscally conservative and
socially moderate, Milne says he will work with whomever is elected president.
But he acknowledges that he disagrees with many things his party's presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, has said so far in the campaign. President Barack Obama,
meanwhile, has "gotten better each year he's been in office" and says Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court, Merrick Garland, deserves an up or down vote. Were he in the Senate, Milne said he'd "probably vote to confirm him."
Source: WPTZ-TV NBC-5 on 2016 Vermont Senate race
May 26, 2016
Shap Smith:
Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors
Rep. Smith voted YES on overriding the governor's veto of Campaign Finance Limitations: Vermont legislative findings for S.278:
Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk
and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large
contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.Identification of persons who publish political
advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278
Apr 25, 2008
Sue Minter:
Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors
Rep. Minter voted YES on overriding the governor's veto of Campaign Finance Limitations: Vermont legislative findings for S.278:
Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk
and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large
contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.Identification of persons who publish political
advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.
Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278
Apr 25, 2008
Sue Minter:
Call for transparency and accountability in state agencies
I am committed to leading a state government that functions well, is accountable to taxpayers, & restores the public trust. As Governor, I will continue the work that I led as Secretary of Transportation making state government responsive, accountable,
efficient and innovative.Transparency and Ethics: Vermonters are entitled to know that the public interest is the first priority in decisions by government officials, and that taxpayer funds are being used effectively and efficiently. This requires
transparency and accountability so that Vermonters can be informed about and participate in the decisions that affect their lives. State agencies will set performance measure and develop dashboards to better inform the public about government goals and
results. I join with the Secretary of State in calling for the enactment of clear laws relating to ethics, conflicts of interest, and financial disclosure, and the formation of an independent state ethics commission to enforce those laws.
Source: 2016 Vermont gubernatorial campaign website SueMinter.com
May 25, 2016
Gerald Malloy:
Keep the Electoral College; no statehood for DC or PR
Asked whether they would support statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Welch said yes--if Puerto Rico wanted it. Malloy said he'd have to give it more thought but that "off the top of my head, no,
I don't think that needs to happen at this point." On the topic of abolishing the electoral college, Malloy was a straight "no," and Welch said he was "open to it," saying he would prefer majority rule.
Source: Valley News on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Sep 10, 2022
Peter Welch:
Statehood for DC & PR; consider abolishing Electoral College
Asked whether they would support statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Welch said yes--if Puerto Rico wanted it. Malloy said he'd have to give it more thought but that "off the top of my head, no,
I don't think that needs to happen at this point." On the topic of abolishing the electoral college, Malloy was a straight "no," and Welch said he was "open to it," saying he would prefer majority rule.
Source: Valley News on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Sep 10, 2022
Peter Duval:
Voting is just the beginning of active citizenship
No process change or technofix can substitute for citizen participation in democracy. It takes effort, but voting is just the beginning of active citizenship, and citizenship requires education. To many, school has become job training
at the expense of education and democracy in education. "School" needs to continue expanding, innovating, and involving everyone in order for democracy to succeed.
Source: 2024 VT Governor campaign website PeterForVermont.earth
Jun 11, 2024
Peter Duval:
Tradition of open primary voting needs exercise
Open primary voting is a Vermont tradition that needs exercise to be meaningful. With open primaries, the PeterForVermont.Earth fusion campaign seeks write-in votes--"Peter Duval" for Governor--
on all primary ballots. And for voters who care most about our environment, writing in "Peter Duval" for Governor on the Progressive Party ballot is an effective vote to keep Earth front and center in Vermont politics.
Source: 2024 VT Governor campaign website PeterForVermont.earth
Jun 11, 2024
Peter Duval:
Political lawn signs are distracting roadside blight
Vermont's billboard ban is another tradition that needs to be refreshed. I pledge to never, ever print lawn signs, which are distracting roadside blight. Even though the Secretary of Transportation regularly warns them,
it seems like every candidate illegally places signs along our roads. When politicians break the law, it sets an example for the rest of us. I would work to restore respect for Vermont's sign law.
Source: Brattleboro Reformer on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 2, 2022
Gerald Malloy:
Constitutional amendment regarding term limits
Q: What are your thoughts on term limits?A: I would support a Constitutional amendment regarding term limits. Voters can implement 'term limits' every time they vote. Part of the solution to career politicians is campaign finance reform.
Q: What do you think of the filibuster?
A: The filibuster is a last line of defense to ensure common sense prevails. It is a beneficial aspect of our governance that works for both sides.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection on 2024 Vermont Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026