Vermont

50 years later, Tom Salmon revisits ‘the biggest political upset in Vermont history’

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2022

50 years later, Tom Salmon revisits ‘the biggest political upset in Vermont history’

It could seem to be the stuff of fiction, however 50 years in the past, earlier than the interstate and web introduced Ben & Jerry and Burlington’s Vendor.com, Vermont was such a Republican stronghold, it supported then President Richard Nixon’s reelection by an almost 2-to-1 margin.

“State residents voted true to custom to present President Nixon an awesome victory towards Democratic challenger George McGovern,” the Burlington Free Press, then the state’s largest print information outlet, reported on its entrance web page of Nov. 8, 1972.

Vermonters additionally elected GOP candidates to each state workplace on the poll however one. A Democrat shockingly defied the chances after declaring a last-minute bid when everybody else was on trip simply three months earlier.

“In what could have been the largest political upset in Vermont historical past,” the Free Press reported alongside its Nixon story, “Democrat Thomas Salmon was elected governor.”

Present-day candidates who introduced their 2022 runs final December could surprise how anybody might be part of a race on the afternoon of an August submitting deadline and, inside a matter of weeks, change into the only Democrat to outlive a Republican landslide.

Salmon, who rose Friday to his ninetieth birthday, remembers.

Tom Salmon offers a speech in his hometown of Rockingham. Archive photograph

‘The probabilities … now seem nil’

Vermont had made nationwide information a decade earlier when the now late Philip Hoff turned the primary Democrat to win fashionable election as governor because the founding of the Republican Social gathering in 1854. However the GOP had a vise-grip on the remainder of the poll, held two-thirds of all seats within the Legislature and took again the chief chamber when the now deceased insurance coverage government Deane Davis gained after Hoff stepped down in 1968.

Vermont Democrats entered the 1972 presidential 12 months with liberals favoring McGovern and centrists cut up between U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. They had been so divided, they couldn’t area a full slate of aspirants to run for state workplace.

“The rationale that we will’t get candidates this 12 months is that folks don’t wish to get caught within the wrestle,” Hoff informed reporters on the time. “The proper of Democrat might have an excellent probability for the governorship this 12 months, however we now have but to see him.”

Politicos and the press didn’t view girls as credible contenders a half-century in the past (though Madeleine Kunin would lay the inspiration for her historic 1984 gubernatorial victory by profitable a seat within the Legislature in 1972). And so everybody restricted their hypothesis to males.

Take the Chittenden County state’s lawyer, a relative state unknown named Patrick Leahy. Would he think about it?

“Awfully unlikely,” replied Leahy, who’d run for U.S. Senate two years later.

Former Gov. Hoff?

“Umpteenth time,” a Free Press headline replied, “Uninterested.”

The then state Sen. Charles Delaney, D-Chittenden/Grand Isle, stated he’d seize the problem, solely to rescind the supply upon realizing his occasion’s lack of cohesion and money.

“The probabilities for Democratic Social gathering success in Vermont this election 12 months now seem nil,” journalist Howard Coffin wrote in a June 16, 1972, story for the Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Instances Argus. “With election day lower than 5 months away, the indicators level to a convincing Republican triumph.”

Tom Salmon takes a break from campaigning to attempt on footwear. Archive photograph

‘That very night time I made up my thoughts’

The Democratic Social gathering nonetheless didn’t have a gubernatorial candidate in July of 1972 when state leaders flew to Miami for the presidential conference that nominated McGovern, a U.S. senator from South Dakota campaigning for a right away finish to the Vietnam Struggle.

Thomas P. Salmon was a delegate. Born within the Midwest and raised in Massachusetts, the Boston School Legislation Faculty graduate moved to the southeastern Vermont city of Rockingham in 1958 to work as an lawyer earlier than profitable election as a state consultant in 1964, 1966 and 1968.

Salmon capped his legislative tenure as Home minority chief. However his political profession hit a wall in 1970 when he misplaced a race for lawyer basic by 17 factors to incumbent Jim Jeffords, the now late maverick Republican who’d go on to serve within the U.S. Home and Senate earlier than his seismic 2001 occasion swap.

In 1972, Jeffords determined to run for governor in that fall’s GOP main. Salmon had each purpose to not wish to face him once more. Then he felt the warmth of the Miami conference.

“I listened to the management of the Democratic Social gathering dedicated to tilting at windmills towards what appeared to be the virtually sure reelection of President Nixon,” Salmon recalled in a 1989 PBS interview with journalist Chris Graff. “That very night time I made up my thoughts I used to be going to take the time regardless of the chances.”

Salmon racked up headlines upon returning residence.

“Vermont Democrats Enthusiastically Help Salmon,” the Rutland Herald declared on its entrance web page.

That was the excellent news. The headline of an accompanying story provided the unhealthy: “However Ballot Downgrades His Possibilities,” noting Salmon was favored by not more than 18% of these surveyed.

Earlier than the state moved its primaries to August in 2010, occasion elections occurred in September. That’s why Salmon might wait till hours earlier than the Aug. 2, 1972, deadline to position his identify on the poll.

“I run to present our folks a alternative between the insurance policies of the previous and the promise of the long run,” he stated in an announcement missed by many vacationing Vermonters.

Reporters expressed skepticism that “the last-minute candidate” might win.

“The percentages are shortening,” Salmon replied, “and there might be a whale of an enormous shock.”

Everybody else remained unconvinced.

“Most Democratic leaders conceded that Salmon’s possibilities of nailing down the state’s prime job are fairly dim,” the Rutland Herald and Instances Argus reported the day after his announcement.

Tom Salmon with the late former Republican Gov. Deane Davis. Archive photograph

‘Seems to be like there’s an upset within the making’

That darkish view continued even when Salmon averted a replay of his 1970 race towards Jeffords. The lawyer basic misplaced the GOP’s 1972 gubernatorial main to Gov. Davis’ most well-liked successor, the late Chittenden County businessman Luther “Fred” Hackett. That arrange a three-way contest between a Republican, a Democrat and an unknown flag-bearer for the Liberty Union (now the Inexperienced Mountain Peace and Justice) Social gathering.

(The latter candidate’s identify: present U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.)

An early ballot confirmed Hackett “far forward” of the remainder of the sphere. However Salmon supporters, discovering Republicans who favored the maverick Jeffords upset with their occasion hierarchy’s hand-picked alternative, marketed the Democrat with the slogan “Males Can Beat Machines.”

“We agreed that there was no probability of our profitable the election except the marketing campaign stood for one thing,” Salmon stated in his 1989 PBS interview. “Particularly, addressed actual points that folks in Vermont cared about.”

Salmon proposed to assist the common Vermonter by reforming the property tax and limiting unplanned improvement. Hackett referred to as for repealing the state’s new litter-decreasing bottle-deposit regulation, whereas a Rutland County consultant to the Republican Nationwide Committee, Roland Seward, informed reporters, “What are we saving the setting for, the animals?”

In an age earlier than private computer systems and cellphones, voters weren’t wired into surveys and social media hypothesis. Vermont Public Radio had but to exist, and Burlington tv stations weren’t but broadcasting in a lot of the southern third of the state.

Who’d win? Who knew?

On election night time, Hackett and a few 200 GOP supporters gathered at what’s now the Capitol Plaza Resort in downtown Montpelier. Salmon stayed residence within the Rockingham village of Bellows Falls — the higher to look at his 9-year-old son (former state Auditor Thomas M. Salmon) be part of a dozen buddies in breaking a storage window throughout an impromptu soccer sport.

The primary outcomes reported had been equally shattering: Hackett was forward of Salmon, 72-18.

Then a historically Republican ward in St. Albans went for Salmon by two votes.

And Plymouth, birthplace of the late GOP President Calvin Coolidge, favored the Democrat.

And the capital of Montpelier, which gave its hometown Gov. Davis a 1,000-vote victory within the final election, went for Salmon 2,146-1,581.

At 10:20 p.m., CBS information anchor Walter Cronkite took to the air to announce, “It appears like there’s an upset within the making in Vermont.”

Tom Salmon takes the oath of workplace as Vermont governor in 1973. Archive photograph

‘A pal requested me the opposite day if it was all value it’

The following day’s newspapers confirmed it.

“Salmon Upset Victor,” the Free Press wrote on a entrance web page that included an uncommon editorial of congratulations.

“Salmon accepted a problem which a number of different Democrats had turned down,” the editorial stated. “He then completed what virtually all observers noticed as a digital impossibility.”

The Rutland Herald and Instances Argus reported that supporters took to the interstate to journey to Salmon’s hometown.

“Tuesday could have been the largest day in Bellows Falls because the place was found,” wrote Coffin, the journalist who had famous simply that summer time that Democratic probabilities “seem nil.”

Fellow reporter Mavis Doyle summed up the win: “Salmon put collectively a profitable mixture of 4 components in his marketing campaign — the picture of an underdog preventing ‘the machine,’ an attraction to the pocketbook on taxes and electrical energy, the artistry of a trial lawyer’s look earlier than a jury, and disaffection amongst Republicans bruised in September’s main.”

Salmon would ship on his promise to reform the property tax in methods nonetheless used right now. Serving two phrases, he then misplaced a 1976 U.S. Senate bid towards incumbent Republican Robert Stafford, the now late namesake of the Stafford federal assured pupil mortgage program.

Salmon went on to function chair of the board of Inexperienced Mountain Energy and president of the College of Vermont. This 12 months, prematurely of his ninetieth birthday, he moved to Brattleboro’s Pine Heights Middle for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

A go to on the fiftieth anniversary of Salmon’s gubernatorial announcement discovered him quiet as he listened to a televised Crimson Sox baseball pre-game present. However share black-and-white photographs from 1972 and he slowly however absolutely named names.

“A pal requested me the opposite day if it was all value it,” Salmon stated in his 1977 gubernatorial farewell tackle. “Wasn’t I owed greater than I obtained with the vitality disaster, Watergate, inflation, recession, pure disasters, no cash, no snow, a tax revolt, and the anxiousness of our folks over authorities’s capability to answer their wants.

“My reply was this: I got here to this state in 1958 with barely sufficient cash in my pocket to pay for an in a single day room. In 14 brief years I turned governor. The folks of Vermont owe me nothing. I owe them every thing for the privilege of serving two phrases within the highest workplace Vermont can confer on certainly one of its residents.”

Again on the nursing residence, the Crimson Sox broadcasters talked coloration as Salmon’s eyes lingered on the black-and-white photographs. His silent but spirited gaze stated every thing. Fifty years later, he nonetheless remembers.

Tom Salmon and fellow former Democratic governor Philip Hoff meet in 1984 with Madeleine Kunin, who that 12 months turned the primary girl to win Vermont’s prime put up. Archive photograph

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Vermont

7 Best Lakeside Towns in Vermont

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is known for its mountain ranges, which tourists can appreciate at popular parks, such as Smuggler’s Notch State Park. However, with over 800 lakes in the state, you can’t discount the plentiful water bodies available for recreation. Vermont is a haven of nature with lakes such as Arrowhead Mountain Lake, Lake Memphremagog, and Lake Champlain, which are tourist and resident favorites due to their historical legends and thrilling water activities. This state is filled with more beautiful lakes and communities by the water than you can imagine, from the shire town of Newport to the historic terrains of Whitingham. Discover the best lakeside towns to visit in Vermont on your next vacation.

Shelburne

Ticonderoga was a steamboat served on Lake Champlain in 19th century in Shelburne, Vermont. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock

Shelburne is one of Vermont’s most visited locations, just seven miles to the south of Burlington. It is set along the shores of Lake Champlain and got its name as a form of tribute to a great British Parliamentarian and Prime Minister, William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne. The community is known for its early agricultural enterprise before diversifying into shipping following the War of 1812. The Shelburne Museum documents the events of the war and other happenings that shaped the area’s development. It also houses thousands of decorative items, steamboats, and carriages that paint a vivid picture of its past.

Stroll in the cool of the day to Shelburne Farms, where you can find much more information about the storied agricultural essence that formed Shelburne. The Farmer’s Market is just a short walk away, and the same goes for Shelburne Vineyards and Orchards, which supply the Farmer’s Market. To get close views of Lake Champlain, take a trip to Shelburne Town Beach, where you can enjoy evening strolls and picnics. Hike across the Shelburne Bay Park hiking area to get more scenic views of the creek.

Whitingham

Whitingham outwits you with all its charm, from its lakeside views to its serene outdoors. It is known as the birthplace of Brigham Young, the second president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who was born in 1801. The community has a monument erected to this effect, the Brigham Young Monument.

The atmosphere that envelopes Whitingham is truly lovely, and there are opportunities to get a whiff of the natural environment. Take the historic tour for an eye-opening experience. What is even more interesting about the historic tour is that you can take it by car or bike. Learn more about Whitingham at the Whitingham Historical Society before taking a hike at the Catamount Trail.

Fairfield

Fairfield is a brimming lakeside community on Fairfield Pond lake with a rich heritage. It is a 446-acre body of water on the northwest of Fairfield. The Fairfield area is known as the birthplace of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, Fairfield celebrates its presidential legacy at the Chester A. Arthur Historic Site. This preserved homestead offers visitors insight into the life of one of America’s lesser-known leaders and the region’s history during the mid-19th century.

The Fairfield Community Center, housed in a 19th-century school building, is another noteworthy site. It reflects the town’s enduring dedication to community engagement and historic preservation. For those interested in Vermont’s rural heritage, Fairfield Pond provides a serene escape, surrounded by open fields that are reminiscent of the city’s agricultural roots. Apart from the ancient landmarks, you can also explore natural settings that make the community more fun. These include the Metcalf Pond and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.

Charlotte

Along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, one of Vermont’s picturesque lakeside towns, seizes the attention of many. Charlotte is a quaint Vermont settlement that is rich in historical significance and natural allure. It is perhaps best known for the Charlotte-Essex Ferry, which has connected Vermont to New York since the early 19th century, with breathtaking views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains. Charlotte’s history is documented at the Old Brick Store, a famed general store that has served as a community hub since 1853 and continues to provide locally crafted goods and treats.

The agricultural economy that once shaped Charlotte is still very much alive. Philo Ridge Farm and Adam’s Berry Farm are two of the most popular, and they serve local produce to the market. The farms are quite serene and are maintained by very hospitable families who are willing to indulge in conversations about Charlotte’s early days. While you are out, be sure to check out Mount Philo State Park. The park has a reputation that speaks for itself. It is Vermont’s oldest state park, and you can also enjoy stunning views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The spaces are equipped with benches and rails where you can just unwind and take pictures while enjoying the view.

Newport

Newport is a unique settlement in Vermont. Although it is located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, Newport is the shire town of Orleans County with the second largest population in the county with just over 4,000 people and also has the smallest geographical area in the county (19.68 square kilometers).

The community’s crown jewel, the Goodrich Memorial Library, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture and a repository of ancient information. Visitors can explore its intricate design and learn about Newport’s cultural heritage through its archives.

Lake Memphremagog itself is steeped in legend, with tales of Memphré, the creek’s mythical creature, adding an air of mystery. Waterfront attractions like the Gateway Center celebrate the river’s significance, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic vistas and hiking trails along the Beebe Spur Rail Trail and the Prouty Beach and Campground.

Addison

If you are wondering what early New England life felt like, then you need to add Addison to your list of lakeside Vermont places to visit. Addison greets you with New England charm and a whole lot of options on where to tour. The city’s crown jewel is the Chimney Point State Historic Site, located where Lake Champlain narrows at the Crown Point Bridge. This site highlights the area’s significance during the French and Indian War and its role in early European settlement.

Snake Mountain Trail is always a point of interest for travelers because of its picturesque setting and location, and it is easily accessible to all. The trail is flanked by trees that cover hikers from the sun and form a beautiful picture backdrop of leaf canopies. It is good for evening strolls and hangouts. Additionally, the D.A.R. State Park is a great spot for wildlife and nature lovers. The park has open spaces for picnics and extensive hiking trails, and its proximity to the lake makes it ideal for water and winter sports. The reflection of trees on the waters creates a picture-perfect view and allows for a connection to Vermont’s natural heritage.

Ferrisburgh

Ferrisburgh is near Lake Champlain, Little Otter Creek, and Kingsland Bay, which makes a no-brainer when mentioning the best lakeside town in Vermont. Founded in 1762, Ferrisburgh is steeped in history and complemented by commercial landmarks.

Rokeby Museum, the most documented underground railroad and also a National Historic Landmark, stands as a poignant reminder of Vermont’s abolitionist movement and its role in the Underground Railroad. The museum’s preserved buildings and exhibits give an intimate look at the lives of the Robinson family, who championed social justice causes. Dakin Farm is another attraction with cultural significance. It is a family-owned, multi-generational business that has been running since 1792. Visitors will enjoy a trip to Kingsland Bay State Park, where they can spend the afternoons just chilling or having great conversations in a nice and cozy environment.

Whether you are visiting to learn more about the famed stories of Shelburne or exploring history at Fairfield, Vermont is replete with attractions that can help you declutter and feel at ease. Each area has its own heritage, creating diversity at every turn, from the pristine waters of its lakes to the picturesque backdrop of its parks. Vermont caters to the feelings of every traveler and creates a wonderful experience for anyone looking to relish the charm of a lakeside town.

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Vermont

Vermont H.S. sports scores for Saturday, Jan. 11: See how your favorite team fared

Published

16 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Vermont H.S. sports scores for Saturday, Jan. 11: See how your favorite team fared

The 2024-2025 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.

TO REPORT SCORES

Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.

►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

SATURDAY, JAN. 11

Boys basketball

Games at 2:30 p.m. unless noted

Hartford at Middlebury, 12:30 p.m.

Missisquoi at Lake Region, 1:30 p.m.

Milton at BFA-St. Albans

Williamstown at Northfield, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball

Games at 2:30 p.m. unless noted

Danville at Winooski, 11 a.m.

Spaulding at Milton, 11:30 a.m.

Mount Mansfield at Colchester, 12:30 p.m.

Otter Valley at Mount Abraham, 12:30 p.m.

Montpelier at Stowe, 1 p.m.

Richford at Enosburg

Peoples at Twinfield/Cabot

Brattleboro at South Burlington

Burr and Burton at Champlain Valley

Rutland at St. Johnsbury

Williamstown at BFA-Fairfax, 3:30 p.m.

Boys hockey

Essex at Hartford, 2 p.m.

Burlington at U-32, 2:30 p.m.

Mount Mansfield at St. Johnsbury, 3 p.m.

Milton vs North Country at Jay Peak, 4 p.m.

Harwood at Stowe, 4:15 p.m.

South Burlington at Champlain Valley, 4:45 p.m.

Brattleboro at Woodstock, 6:45 p.m.

Rice at Burr and Burton, 7 p.m.

Spaulding at Middlebury, 7 p.m.

Rutland at Colchester, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey

Spaulding at Rutland, 11 a.m.

Woodstock at Brattleboro, 4:45 p.m.

Harwood at Burr and Burton, 5 p.m.

Rice at Burlington/Colchester, 5 p.m.

Stowe at Middlebury, 5 p.m.

Essex at BFA-St. Albans, 7 p.m.

U-32 at Kingdom Blades, 7 p.m.

Gymnastics

Harwood at Burlington, 2 p.m.

Montpelier, St. Johnsbury at South Burlington, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling

Michael J. Baker Classic at Essex

MONDAY, JAN. 13

Boys basketball

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Randolph at North Country, 6:30 p.m.

Harwood at U-32

Winooski at Twinfield/Cabot

Northfield at Milton

Brattleboro at Champlain Valley

Thetford at Williamstown

Oxbow at Hazen

Girls basketball

Vergennes at BFA-Fairfax, 7 p.m.

Essex at Burlington, 7:30 p.m.

(Subject to change)

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Vermont

Scott’s plan to cut school spending worries some educators

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Scott’s plan to cut school spending worries some educators

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont educators are leery of plans from Gov. Phil Scott to control costs in Vermont’s education system. In Thursday’s inaugural address, Scott pitched sweeping plans to rein in spending which has led to skyrocketing property tax rates.

Last year, one-third of Vemont’s school budgets failed and voters sent more Republicans to Montpelier in years in what some dubbed a tax revolt.

Democrats say everything should be on the table to fix the tax troubles, but some in the education community remain wary.

In his address, the governor outlined a multiyear plan to overhaul how we fund public schools and rein in the cost of spending which has skyrocketed to $2.3 billion.

“In too many districts, teachers aren’t paid enough, administrators are tied up in bureaucracy, schools have too much empty space and many are in disrepair,” said Scott, R-Vermont.

He proposes consolidating dozens of school districts and supervisory unions, putting guardrails on local school spending and completely rewriting the school funding formula with the aim of cutting back on staff and the 80% of school costs that go to wages and benefits.

But some in Vermont’s education community see it another way.

“We have to be clear what is the problem we’re trying to solve. We’re not spending too much money in public education; we’re having a difficult time funding it,” said Don Tinney the executive director of the Vermont NEA.

The Vermont teachers union contends the state has enough taxing capacity to fund schools and students’ complex needs. But they say the state should instead fund schools through state and income tax instead of a property tax.

“We believe the income tax is the fairest way of doing that because people are paying what they can afford to pay,” Tinney said.

As for the funding formula, Scott argues more affluent towns that can afford higher property taxes spend more and approve their local budgets, which drives up costs in the statewide education fund.

“Those higher spenders can actually increase the rates of those districts whose kids and teachers are getting less,” Scott said.

The governor is expected to introduce a formula where districts are paid a flat rate and any additional spending would have to be raised locally.

But some worry that will lead to inequitable opportunities for kids.

“There are states that use foundation formulas to keep poor people poor and drive down public education costs and allow for more opportunities for private schools and school choice schemes. I can’t see Vermont allowing that to happen,” said Jay Nichols of the Vermont Principals’ Association.

Vermonters are still staring down a 6% property tax increase if school budgets as drafted pass on Town Meeting Day.

Scott says in the weeks ahead, he will unveil ideas to hold taxpayers harmless and keep taxes flat.

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