Vermont Can't Choose Who They Want To Be Governor Because There Are Too Many Good Candidates

(Source) — An unexpectedly strong challenge to Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin means the gubernatorial race will be decided by the state Legislature in January. At the close of election night, Shumlin had about 46.7 percent of the vote while his Republican challenger Scott Milne has just over 45 percent. Shumlin had been expected to cruise to re-election for his third-two-year term, but Milne apparently played on voter discontent with the governor. The race stayed close for most of the night. Under the Vermont Constitution, candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer are required to win a minimum of 50 percent plus one to be elected directly. If not, the race is decided by the Legislature. In the history of Vermont, 23 previous elections for governor have gone to the Legislature, which nearly always gives the election to the candidate who won the most votes. There have been three exceptions, the last one in 1853.

Remember this blog from last month? Well it turns out the good people of Vermont are having just as difficult a time choosing their next leader as I did. When you’ve got such an incredible wealth of options, of course the vote is going to be an almost indistinguishable split. And yeah, I read the part that it’s a close race between the two squares in ties. But I also read the part that said legislature can choose whoever they want. 1853 wasn’t that long ago when you really think about it, this could go to any candidate. If I’m in Vermont today I’m writing my representatives and telling them to take a hard look at Pete Diamondstone or Bernard Peters. I want a guy who represents the general population in the governor’s mansion, not some fancy city slicker in a suit and tie. I want a guy who will have broken down cars in the front yard and a moonshine distillery in the back. A guy who really represents Vermont to the max. We’ve still got a shot to make that a reality, let’s get it done.