Statement from Vermont Democratic Party on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Democratic Party has issued the following statement regarding the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy.
Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy of Massachusetts passed away late Tuesday night following a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 77.
In his 47 years of service, Senator Kennedy was arguably the United States Senate's most renowned and recognizable Democrat. In keeping with his family's legacy of political activism and advocacy, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to better the lives of everyday Americans, to give a voice to those without one, and to end the various forms of discrimination that have plagued Americans over the past half-century.
While physically absent from the public eye during much of the last year, Senator Kennedy shocked many on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in August when he appeared unannounced and delivered a speech that garnered a standing ovation.
“My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, it is so wonderful to be here, and nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight,” Senator Kennedy said. “I have come here tonight to stand with you to change America, to restore its future, to rise to our best ideals and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States.”
Senator Kennedy's influence in Washington has been especially apparent recently, as Congress debates the largest overhaul of America’s health care system in decades. The quest for quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans was an endeavor that Senator Kennedy referred to as “the cause of my life", one that he remained devoted to even in his final days.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which Senator Kennedy chaired, passed health care legislation on July 15, and the conflict over the proposed reconstruction of the flawed current system is presently the central focus on Capitol Hill.
Senator Kennedy was beloved by many Americans, and respected by his Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He was admired for his compassion, vigor, sense of humor, and steadfast devotion to serving the greater good of the American public.
We send our deepest condolences to Senator Kennedy's family and friends as our nation mourns the loss and celebrates the life of such an extraordinary man.

DFA Chairman Jim Dean meets with County Dems

Jim Dean, Chairman of Democracy For America, was the guest speaker at the Chittenden County Democrats meeting on August 18th. Jim spoke to the 28 attendees about the DFA effort to influence the health care debate across the United States. The "Stand with Dr. Dean" campaign has been working to get senators on the record in support of a strong public healthcare option. It provides an opportunity and online resources for constituents to register their support for a public option for health insurance. "DFA has also been lobbying Senator Max Baucus and the so-called "gang of six" to include the public option provision in the Senate bill under consideration by the Finance Committee.

"This is like any other campaign but without a candidate," said Dean. It consists of "field operations, door-knocking, and letters to the editor to persuade the public and members of Congress that the public option is necessary for health care reform," he stated.



Governor Howard Dean has written a book called "Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform" which can also be ordered via the "Stand with Dr. Dean" website. Dr. Dean writes, "If Barack Obama's healthcare plan gets changed to exclude a public option like Medicare, then it is not healthcare reform. Legislation rises and falls on whether the American public is allowed to choose a universally available public option or not."

Also in the meeting Chairman Mike Yantachka described the process that town and city Democratic Committees will be following in September for their reorganization caucuses. A schedule of caucuses can be found in the calendar on the right-hand side of the Chittenden County Democrats website.

The County Democratic Committee reorganization meeting will be held on October 20th at the South Burlington High School. County Committee delegates will be elected at the local caucuses. These delegates are allocated based on the number of votes cast in the municipality for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington in 2008. Click here to see how the delegates are allocated.

The meeting also heard from Charlie Delaney, who announced his candidacy for Chittenden County Side-Judge in 2010, and from Philip Baruth, who is running for a State Senate seat from Chittenden County. Chairman Mike Yantachka also announced that he will not be running for re-election as Chair and that he also intends to run for the State Senate in 2010.

Senator Sanders Unfiltered

Senator Bernie Sanders has collaborated with Brave New Films to bring a series of video commentaries to the internet. "Senator Sanders Unfiltered" is the name of the show. Watch the first episode.