Why I Support Philip Baruth for State Senate

I want to take a few minutes to encourage anyone reading this who lives in Chittenden County to vote for Philip Baruth for State Senate.

Earlier this year, I organized two tweet-up events for Philip’s campaign.  My involvement started with an e-mail exchange during which I jokingly said I would probably be voting for him because there are never 6 Republicans I want to vote for, so I always vote for at least one tolerable Democrat and I can’t think of any Democrat more tolerable than him.

The fact is, not only is Philip merely “tolerable,” but he will make an outstanding state senator.

On the blog Green Mountain Daily, John Odum said of Philip, “He’s totally approachable. You can talk to the guy and he’ll listen. Always.”

That’s easy for him to say, being someone who has always been on the same side of the political spectrum as Philip.  But, as someone who has been on the complete opposite side for most of the time I have known Philip, I can also say that he’s totally approachable and he’ll always listen.  And that’s really saying something.

I have spoken to many people on the left in my time as a political activist and blogger and I can honestly say that there is no one who has made me feel more respected, even in the face of disagreement, than Philip.  And that is something that we really need more of in politics today.

Even if you are not a Democrat, the fact of the matter is, the Democrats control the Vermont legislature.  Wouldn’t you like to see one elected that is at least going to respectfully consider what you have to say?

Not only does Philip have a great temperament for a state senator, but he is also right on the issues.  He was calling for the closure of Vermont Yankee long before it became a popular political issue.  He wants to see that the state gets wired with the broadband access that we need to be competitive in today’s economy.  He is dedicated to freedom of information and open government and wants to allow more electronic access to the goings on in Montpelier.  And he wants all Vermonters to have access to health care.

I’ll leave you with Philip in his own words in this campaign video made by fellow Burlingtonian Bill Simmon.