 |
|
| |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2024 Election: | Joe Biden's book | Kamala Harris' book | Donald Trump's book | JD Vance's book | 2024 Senate Debates |
| |||||||||||||||
| Book Reviews | |||||||||||||||
|
(from Amazon.com) | |||||||||||||||
|
(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about the presidency from Amazon.com) |
from State of Vermont Archives (number of quotes indicated): |
| OnTheIssues.org excerpts: (click on issues for details) |
|
Abortion Becca Balint: Recognize the fundamental right of reproductive choice. Bruce Lisman: Supports abortion rights and funding for Planned Parenthood. Christine Hallquist: Protect a women's right to choose. David Zuckerman: Supports public funds for abortion procedures. David Zuckerman: Add reproductive autonomy to Vermont Constitution. David Zuckerman: Protect funding for Planned Parenthood. Eddie Melton: Lets abortion bill become law, recognizes fundamental right. Gerald Malloy: Pro life: let States and People decide rather than courts. Gerald Malloy: Would vote to ban abortions federally without any exceptions. John MacGovern: Opposes abortion in most cases. John MacGovern: Don't require churches to provide birth control to staff. John MacGovern: Religious liberty trumps contraception health insurance. Keith Stern: Pro-life advocate but will not interfere with settled law. Matt Dunne: Abortions should always be legally available. Peter Shumlin: Assist companies doing stem cell research in Vermont. Phil Scott: Abortion isn't a black-and-white issue, but I'm pro-choice. Phil Scott: No taxpayer funding for abortion; but ok for family planning. Phil Scott: Enshrine reproductive rights in Vermont's constitution. Richard Tarrant: No litmus tests; majority don't want Roe overturned. Scott Milne: Pro-choice but exact positions are unknown. Scott Milne: Pro-life; and no free birth control. Peter Welch: Steadfast advocate for reproductive rights and Proposal 5. Brenda Siegel: Updated extradition laws to protect women who come to VT. Peter Duval: Person who is pregnant should decide about abortion. Gerald Malloy: Overturning Roe corrected a wrongful decision. Gerald Malloy: States rights under the 10th�Amendment for abortion. |
|
Budget & Economy Bernie Sanders: Restructure debt so Puerto Rico can rebuild. Bruce Lisman: Bring government spending in line with revenue. David Zuckerman: Prioritize spending on the most needy. Gerald Malloy: Reduce the size of Federal Government, spend within budget. Gerald Malloy: Save America from becoming dependent on stimulus. Jim Douglas: $17M ARRA investment to expand Vermont employment. John MacGovern: Budget deficit is a moral issue as well as economic issue. John MacGovern: Our most serious problem is skyrocketing national debt. Lawrence Zupan: Build an opportunity economy, with growth for generations. Peter Shumlin: Get back to fiscal responsibility, post-stimulus. Phil Scott: We're spending beyond our means; but cuts instead of taxes. Phil Scott: I won't sign a budget that exceeds reasonable limits. Phil Scott: We don't need more taxes; we need more taxpayers. Phil Scott: We must recognize housing policy is workforce policy. Sue Minter: Government can partner with workforce to grow economy. Gerald Malloy: Address inflation by stopping Congressional overspending . Peter Welch: Pay for programs from folks not paying their fair share. Phil Scott: Focus on affordability, economic growth & protect vulnerable. Phil Scott: Invest ARPA funds in transformative infrastructure projects. Phil Scott: We need to keep our spending within existing revenue. Phil Scott: We need to keep our spending within existing revenue. Peter Duval: Dedicated funds within state government should be avoided. |
|
Civil Rights Bernie Sanders: Bush�s tracking citizens� phone call patterns is illegal. Brenda Siegel: Came out as bisexual after her son came out to her. Christine Hallquist: Wants Vermont to welcome all groups, including marginalized. David Zuckerman: Supports same-sex marriage and inclusion of gender identity. David Zuckerman: Root out structural and systemic oppression. David Zuckerman: Voted to override veto of gay marriage law. David Zuckerman: Women should be paid equally and treated equally. Greg Parke: Constitutional gay marriage ban is democracy in action. Howard Dean: Gays deserve equal rights under the law. Howard Dean: Egalitarianism implies the legality of gay civil unions. Jim Douglas: Veto defining marriage as "2 people" not "1 man & 1 woman". Jim Douglas: Declare Juneteenth an annual tribute to emancipation. Matt Dunne: Equal benefits for same sex couples. Peter Shumlin: Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman". Peter Shumlin: Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman". Phil Scott: Ballot initiative ok; don't legislatively re-define marriage. Phil Scott: Supports gay marriage and transgender bathroom rights. Phil Scott: Support peaceful march against bias & discrimination. Richard Tarrant: Don't use Constitution on special interest like gay marriage. Scott Milne: Supported civil unions in 2000. Scott Milne: Opposes affirmative action. Shap Smith: Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman". Sue Minter: Define marriage as "two people" not "one man & one woman". Sue Minter: Economic security for women via livable wages and equal pay. Phil Scott: Review recommendations from a Racial Equity Task Force. Scott Milne: No specific policies that relate to racial justice. Esther Charlestin: Co-chairs the State of Vermont's Commission on Women. Gerald Malloy: I will protect individual rights; we are all God's children. Gerald Malloy: No reparations; no Critical Race Theory . |
|
Corporations Brooke Paige: Streamline regulations to make Vermont "business friendly". John MacGovern: Don't demonize private sector that produces jobs & growth. Matt Dunne: State manager to help each manufacturer navigate rules. Patrick Leahy: Amend Constitutional to declare corporations are NOT people. Peter Shumlin: Getting credit to entrepreneurs when they need it grows jobs. Phil Scott: Agency of Economic Opportunity: help find qualified workers. Gerald Malloy: Grew jobs for technology and services businesses. |
|
Crime Becca Balint: Address racial disparities in criminal justice. Brooke Paige: Establish uniform sentencing and incarceration guidelines. Christine Hallquist: Address racial bias in criminal justice system. David Zuckerman: Alternatives to incarceration; no death penalty. David Zuckerman: We need an extensive and systemic collection of racial data. David Zuckerman: Reduce the need for police intervention. Gerald Malloy: Fund our Police; preserve order to enjoy freedoms. Jim Douglas: Mandatory 25 year minimum sentence for child sexual abuse. Keith Stern: Convicts should serve in same state where sentenced. Matt Dunne: More prisons, but more rehab programs too. Patrick Leahy: Worked to reverse some of mandatory minimum sentences. Peter Shumlin: Help keep non-violent offenders out of jail. Phil Scott: Private prisons needed because full cost borne by state. Phil Scott: Close Windsor prison; expand home detention monitoring. Phil Scott: Address racial disparities in criminal justice. Rebecca Holcombe: End racial disparities in Vermont's criminal justice system. Scott Milne: Supports the death penalty. Sue Minter: Phase out the use of private prisons altogether. Phil Scott: Consider strategies to fight crime besides justice reform. Phil Scott: Consider strategies to fight crime besides justice reform. Rebecca Holcombe: Community review boards for police use-of-force incidents. Bernie Sanders: I support police reform; not "defunding the police". |
|
Drugs Brenda Siegel: Harm reduction, treatment & recovery on demand. Brenda Siegel: The War On Drugs is both racist and classist. Brenda Siegel: Emphasize harm reduction not arresting low-level traffickers. Brooke Paige: Legalize and commercialize marijuana, but not "hard drugs". Bruce Lisman: Decriminalization, but not legalization, of recreational pot. Bruce Lisman: No legalization now; let's see what happens in other states. Christine Hallquist: Tax retail marijuana for clean water and public education. Christine Hallquist: Treat opiate crisis as a public health issue. David Zuckerman: Legalize marijuana, starting with two ounces at a time. David Zuckerman: Legalize marijuana. David Zuckerman: Provide needle exchanges, overdose prevention medication. Keith Stern: Send drug addicts to treatment & dealers to boot camp. Matt Dunne: Create a trusted Vermont brand of legalized marijuana. Matt Dunne: Legalize marijuana quickly; prohibition hasn't worked. Patrick Leahy: Let legal cannabis businesses use banking system. Peter Shumlin: War on recidivism: $300,000 for methadone treatment. Peter Shumlin: Address drug addiction as a public health crisis. Peter Shumlin: Time to make marijuana well-regulated legal substance. Peter Shumlin: Prioritize reducing opioid misuse. Phil Scott: Supports growing industrial hemp in Vermont. Phil Scott: No legalization at this time; but I'm not saying never. Phil Scott: Address opiate addiction via prevention & enforcement. Phil Scott: Make low-level marijuana possession legal for adults. Phil Scott: Add regulated marijuana sales to legalized possession. Phil Scott: 4-legged stool: prevention, treatment, recovery, enforcement. Scott Milne: Does not support the legalization of marijuana. Scott Milne: Pass tougher drug laws instead of decriminalizing. Sue Minter: Addicts need treatment, not jail time. Sue Minter: Supports legalizing marijuana. Brenda Siegel: Safe injection sites would save lives, like my brother's. Gerald Malloy: No "safe injection sites"; maybe legal pot at VA hospitals. Peter Welch: Legalize marijuana but not most other drugs. Phil Scott: No resources for injection sites; no recreational pot. Phil Scott: Vetoed feasibility study on overdose prevention site. Bernie Sanders: Rated A+ by NORML: 1st to call to end marijuana prohibition. Phil Scott: Rated C+ by NORML: depenalize marijuana use. Esther Charlestin: Education and treatment for young drug users. Peter Duval: Don't think overdose prevention centers address root cause. |
|
Education Brenda Siegel: Support and strengthen our education system. Brenda Siegel: Endorsed by Vermont-NEA teacher's union. Brooke Paige: Reject Common Core; protect local control. Bruce Lisman: Give school districts flexibility on resources and spending. Christine Hallquist: Supports public schools; does not want them privatized. David Zuckerman: Stricter standards for independent charter schools. David Zuckerman: No vouchers; no Common Core. David Zuckerman: Supports universal afterschool and pre-K education. David Zuckerman: Free in-state tuition for trade schools & higher education. Gerald Malloy: Parents decide what is and isn't taught to their children. Keith Stern: Give education control back to the local districts. Keith Stern: Technical schools train for well-paying, in-demand jobs. Lawrence Zupan: High tuition costs pay for facilities; learn online instead. Matt Dunne: More funding for public schools & teachers. Patrick Leahy: For Farm-to-School Act to teach nutrition & agriculture. Peter Shumlin: Dual enrollment for high school students to state college. Peter Shumlin: Publicly fund a college savings plan for each child. Peter Shumlin: Provide free college courses for low income people. Phil Scott: Age-appropriate sex education in schools. Phil Scott: Preserve school choice; improve Act 46 school consolidation. Phil Scott: Realign funding toward early care and trades training. Phil Scott: $4M to state colleges; low tuition increases thru 2021. Phil Scott: Statewide funding inserts Montpelier into school decisions. Phil Scott: $1M more for VSAC non-traditional pathways for jobs. Phil Scott: Build the country's best cradle-to-career education system. Phil Scott: Investing in childcare a top priority; address inequities. Phil Scott: Time we end the stigma around career and technical education. Rebecca Holcombe: Committed to protecting rights of students with disabilities. Rebecca Holcombe: Teacher in school & college before state education secretary. Rebecca Holcombe: Public schools reveal strength of a community. Rebecca Holcombe: Inadequate educational funding impacts generations. Rebecca Holcombe: Fallout from inadequate funding measured in generations. Scott Milne: Rethink how government funds education. Sue Minter: Universal pre-K via public-private partnerships. Phil Scott: Our education infrastructure is too large for number served. Phil Scott: Our education infrastructure is too large for number served. Esther Charlestin: Affordable Childcare for All. Peter Duval: Add two years to the existing education system, preK-13 . Esther Charlestin: Our schools MUST be fully funded. Phil Scott: We need far fewer districts each serving far more students. |
|
Energy & Oil Brenda Siegel: We must transition to more in-state renewable energy. Brooke Paige: Develop alternative energy if affordable and reliable. Bruce Lisman: Moratorium on industrial scale solar and wind projects. Christine Hallquist: Supports Solar Pathways plan of 90% renewable energy by 2050. David Zuckerman: Fund alternative energy; end funding for traditional energy. David Zuckerman: Work toward renewable, sustainable energy as primary sources. David Zuckerman: Encourage alternatives to single-use vehicles. David Zuckerman: Put $20 million more into weatherization. David Zuckerman: Invest in renewable energy; Vermont has lost jobs. Gerald Malloy: Promote US independence across all forms of Energy. Keith Stern: Goal to convert to 75% renewable energy will hurt Vermont. Matt Dunne: Promote alternative fuels and renewable energy. Patrick Leahy: Human-caused climate change is accelerating. Phil Scott: Supports renewable energy investment. Phil Scott: Combat climate change & reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Phil Scott: Tax holiday on hybrids, electric vehicles, & green products. Phil Scott: $1.5M in rebates for 50,000 electric cars by 2025. Phil Scott: Use funds to help Vermonters purchase electric vehicles. Phil Scott: Opposes any regressive carbon tax. Rebecca Holcombe: Will move us to a sustainable, green energy future. Rebecca Holcombe: Climate change is here, renewable energy is our future. Sue Minter: Keep electric rates low to compete in New England. Phil Scott: Move closer to climate goals, diversify the green economy. David Zuckerman: Green new deal for Vermont, to fund green initiatives. Scott Milne: Global solutions because climate change is global problem. Esther Charlestin: We really have to confront the reality of climate change. Peter Duval: Vermont has fallen behind in meeting weak climate goals. Esther Charlestin: Invest in local clean energy projects . Gerald Malloy: Transition to renewables AND lower energy costs. |
|
Environment Brooke Paige: Farmers are unfairly blamed for fertilizer pollution. Brooke Paige: Fund program for fertilizer runoff to reduce water pollution. Bruce Lisman: Restore our lakes and protect our ridgelines. Christine Hallquist: Advocate of environmental protections and mass transit. David Zuckerman: Led the effort to require GMO labeling. David Zuckerman: Led legislation for GMO food labelling. David Zuckerman: Supports sustainable agriculture & diversified farms. David Zuckerman: Supports government regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions. Lawrence Zupan: New farming technologies improve water quality. Matt Dunne: Supports open space preservation & brownfield cleanup. Patrick Leahy: Opposed drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Peter Shumlin: Clean up Lake Champlain: federal waivers & local flexibility. Peter Shumlin: VT should divest from coal and ExxonMobil. Phil Scott: Reduce chemicals in consumer goods, when evidence warrants. Phil Scott: Support local agriculture; they're stewards of our land. Phil Scott: $50M for clean-up of our impaired waterways. Phil Scott: Ease regulations: flexibility for forestry & farms. Rebecca Holcombe: Restore quality of water, soils, forests to cleaner days. Rebecca Holcombe: Protect working lands, ensure food security. Scott Milne: Lake Champlain is a natural treasure we must preserve. Sue Minter: Led efforts in Climate Preparedness & catastrophic flooding. Sue Minter: Protect our state's waters, farmland, and forests. Phil Scott: $4 Million in Brownfield Revitalization for 7 Communities. Peter Duval: Urgently need to return half of Vermont to wilderness. |
|
Families & Children Brenda Siegel: State needs a mandatory paid family and medical leave law. Christine Hallquist: Pass paid family and medical leave insurance. David Zuckerman: Supports universal, statewide paid family leave. Keith Stern: Paid family leave and $15 hour wage would hurt his business. Lawrence Zupan: Cost of paid family leave burden falls on small businesses. Matt Dunne: Paid leave insurance policy to fund FMLA maternity leave. Phil Scott: $800,000 for Guardians ad Litem for kids of drug addicts. Phil Scott: Increased spending on childcare & early learning. Phil Scott: $7.5 million for Child Care Financial Assistance. Rebecca Holcombe: Make sure every child can be part of good community school. Phil Scott: Expand Childcare Financial Assistance Program. Esther Charlestin: Affordable childcare and attainable housing. Peter Duval: Provide a universal parent stipend. Gerald Malloy: You're man or woman based on anatomy at birth. |
|
Foreign Policy Bernie Sanders: Binding referendum on Guam's political status. Bernie Sanders: Binding referendum on Puerto Rico statehood vs. independence. Gerald Malloy: Don't make unenforceable treaties with untrustworthy allies. John MacGovern: Developed energy projects in China and Southeast Asia. Patrick Leahy: Signed letter opposing Israeli annexation of territories. Scott Milne: US out of the UN, and UN out of the US. Phil Scott: Ukraine's fight is too important for us to sit out. Gerald Malloy: Synthetic fentanyl is chemical warfare waged by China. |
|
Free Trade Gerald Malloy: Wants a comprehensive review US Trade and Import practices. Phil Scott: Buying local isn't just for hippies anymore. Phil Scott: Supports USMCA trade agreement to replace NAFTA. Phil Scott: Congress should pass USMCA trade deal. David Zuckerman: China could provide a broad market for Vermont. |
|
Government Reform Bernie Sanders: Sovereign rights & voting rights for Native Americans. Brooke Paige: Implement ethics and transparency rues for state government. Christine Hallquist: Work with state & locals to fix campaign finance system. David Zuckerman: No voter IDs; yes independent redistricting. David Zuckerman: Supports limits on campaign financing. Gerald Malloy: Wished he had protested Jan. 6 over 2020 election. Jim Douglas: Vetoed campaign donations restrictions & identifying donors. Keith Stern: Term limits will slow down path to lobbying. Patrick Leahy: Citizens United decision strikes at core of our democracy. Peter Shumlin: Elect President by popular vote, not Electoral College. Peter Shumlin: Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors. Phil Scott: Keep Electoral College instead of presidential popular vote. Phil Scott: Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors. Rebecca Holcombe: Public has the right to know leaders work for public. Rebecca Holcombe: Rebuild trust by strengthening ethics requirements. Scott Milne: Washington gridlock results from too-long incumbency. Shap Smith: Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors. Sue Minter: Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors. Sue Minter: Call for transparency and accountability in state agencies. Gerald Malloy: Keep the Electoral College; no statehood for DC or PR. Peter Welch: Statehood for DC & PR; consider abolishing Electoral College. Peter Duval: Voting is just the beginning of active citizenship. Peter Duval: Tradition of open primary voting needs exercise. Peter Duval: Political lawn signs are distracting roadside blight. Gerald Malloy: Constitutional amendment regarding term limits. |
|
Gun Control Phil Scott: Seven business day waiting period for background checks. Becca Balint: Seven business day waiting period for background checks. Bruce Lisman: Protect the Vermont Sportsmen's Bill of Rights. Christine Hallquist: Ban assault weapons; regulate guns like cars. Christine Hallquist: Regulate guns like we regulate automobiles. David Zuckerman: Supports background checks, and concealed carry. Gerald Malloy: Support 2d Amendment; I am a gun owner. Keith Stern: Vermont won't be Vermont with all this gun legislation. Keith Stern: Supports 2nd Amendment; but some people will commit crimes. Matt Dunne: Strengthen restrictions on the purchase & possession of guns. Matt Dunne: Strengthen enforcement of existing state gun restrictions. Peter Welch: Ban assault weapons, for comprehensive background checks. Phil Scott: Enforce existing gun laws; Vermont is no gun trafficker. Scott Milne: Rated 50% by Gun Owners of Vermont. Sue Minter: Gun violence has reached a crisis point; more gun safety. Sue Minter: Universal background checks; ban assault weapons. Brenda Siegel: Supports 48-hour waiting period, ban on assault rifles. David Zuckerman: 24-hour waiting period for gun purchases. Rebecca Holcombe: Supports background checks & 48-hour waiting period. Scott Milne: No new gun laws; no laws repealed either. Esther Charlestin: There is more to be done on gun ownership regulation. |
|
Health Care Brooke Paige: Reject single-payer healthcare and Vermont Health Connect. Bruce Lisman: Repeal the mandate to purchase insurance. Christine Hallquist: Wants to lay groundwork for universal healthcare system. David Zuckerman: Medicaid expansion under ObamaCare; but no mandate. David Zuckerman: Supports Medicare for All. David Zuckerman: Stop seeing mental health as separate from physical health. Eddie Melton: Signed state individual mandate; goes into effect in 2020. Eddie Melton: Rejects increased Medicaid funding, should deal with costs. Gerald Malloy: No Universal Healthcare but improve Medicare, Medicaid, VA. Howard Dean: Universal access for all Vermonters; insure the last 6%. Howard Dean: Keep "community rating": insure older people at same rates. John MacGovern: Dislikes President Obama's health care act. Keith Stern: Healthcare the community way through medical cost sharing. Lawrence Zupan: End mandate; start interstate competition. Matt Dunne: State should provide universal access to health care. Phil Scott: Affordable health care? Yes; single-payer? No. Phil Scott: Replace dysfunctional Vermont Health Connect with subsidies. Phil Scott: Must increase affordability of health insurance. Phil Scott: Time to cap annual increases, prioritize prevention. Phil Scott: Increase mental health beds, expand suicide prevention. Rebecca Holcombe: Will confront out of control costs of healthcare, drugs. Rebecca Holcombe: If you can't afford health care, it's sick care. Rebecca Holcombe: Should not have to turn down jobs for healthcare eligibility. Rebecca Holcombe: Confront out of control costs; coordinate state government. Rebecca Holcombe: Scary anyone in public office would doubt value of vaccines. Rebecca Holcombe: Health is one sector that touches everything. Rebecca Holcombe: State's mental health system is underfunded. Scott Milne: Promises of cost savings are likely a pipe dream. Sue Minter: Focus on containing costs in Vermont Health Connect. Gerald Malloy: Prefers natural immunity route to COVID vaccine mandates. Phil Scott: Add more areas to mobile mental health response initiative. Phil Scott: Not perfect but ACA measurably improved health of Vermonters. Peter Duval: Consider international and intergenerational vaccinations. Esther Charlestin: Expand access to mental health services in education system. Phil Scott: Issued state order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccine. |
|
Homeland Security Bernie Sanders: F-35 fighter planes OK at Burlington Airport. John MacGovern: No noisy F-35 fighter planes at Burlington Airport. John MacGovern: No new F-35 fighter jets at Burlington Airport. Lawrence Zupan: Government doesn't provide veterans with proper health care. Patrick Leahy: End the NSA's bulk collection program. Phil Scott: $500,000 for college scholarships for veterans at UVM. Richard Tarrant: We must sacrifice some rights & privacy in times of war. Gerald Malloy: F-35s in Burlington: jet noise is the sound of freedom. Peter Welch: Base F-35 fighter jets in Burlington, but reduce noise. David Zuckerman: Apologized for criticizing Vermont Air National Guard. Phil Scott: Honor the heroic American veterans. Phil Scott: Repeal the tax on military retirement pay. Peter Duval: Reducing fuel use does less to prop up Russia. Phil Scott: Declined Trump request to deploy Vermont National Guard. |
|
Immigration David Zuckerman: Immigrants & refugees welcome in Vermont. Eddie Melton: Stopped sharing info with immigration authorities in 2017. Gerald Malloy: Put up the wall, enforce the law, stop criminals. Keith Stern: Supports Trump's crack down on undocumented immigrants. Lawrence Zupan: Stronger immigration controls; enforcement essential. Scott Milne: Opposed to the EB-5 program due to poor regulation in VT. Scott Milne: No immigrant benefits; no DREAMers; no amnesty. Phil Scott: Moral obligation to be welcoming of people around the globe. Peter Duval: Would support noncitizens voting in state & local elections. Phil Scott: Vermont has no law or policy making it a sanctuary state. |
|
Jobs Brenda Siegel: Wants a livable minimum wage tied to inflation. Christine Hallquist: Unions are crucial to the balance of power. Christine Hallquist: $15 minimum wage, plus job retraining for displaced workers. David Zuckerman: Increasing minimum wage will lift workers out of poverty. David Zuckerman: Raise minimum wage to $15/hr; plus paid family leave. David Zuckerman: Right to work laws harm union and non-union workers. Eddie Melton: Pay people $5000 to take jobs in Vermont. Patrick Leahy: Raise minimum wage & eliminate gender pay gap. Peter Shumlin: Vermont unemployment rate, 5.3%, is among lowest in America. Peter Shumlin: Create Innovation Zones targeted to regional job needs. Phil Scott: Deal with Vermont's shrinking workforce population. Phil Scott: Invest more to help cover interns' wages. Rebecca Holcombe: Unions support wage equity & safe workplaces. Rebecca Holcombe: Unions support wage equity and safe workplaces. Scott Milne: Focus on creating new jobs by changing Vermont's reputation. Scott Milne: No government-mandated $15 minimum wage. Phil Scott: Recruit and relocate workers and families to Vermont. Gerald Malloy: Rejuvenate America's entrepreneurial spirit: grow jobs. Brenda Siegel: Supports policies that would diversify workplaces. David Zuckerman: $15 minimum wage then tie it to inflation. Phil Scott: Tie increases to the minimum wage to the cost of living. Rebecca Holcombe: Supports $15 minimum wage instituted over a few years. |
|
Principles & Values Bernie Sanders: Lost campaigns in 1972, 1974 & 1988 before winning in 1990. Brooke Paige: Nominee for Secretary of State (won 4 other nominations too). Christine Hallquist: Monthly town halls and weekly audio broadcasts as governor. Gerald Malloy: Wants to get US back on track, make it strong again. John MacGovern: Served four terms in the Massachusetts legislature. John MacGovern: Runs the Hanover Institute, a Dartmouth alumni group. John MacGovern: Raised on an organic communal dairy farm. Lawrence Zupan: Running on principles of life, liberty and private property. Patrick Leahy: Co-sponsored Do No Harm Act: keep church and state separate. Patrick Leahy: Lifelong Batman fan; has done cameos in several movies. Peter Shumlin: Retiring after three terms to return to the business world. Peter Welch: January 6th was an attack on our democracy. Phil Scott: The right leader at the right time. Phil Scott: Strength of our nation is diversity of people and opinion. David Zuckerman: Met with faith leaders to discuss effects of climate crisis. Phil Scott: Our decency to one another is our greatest strength . Phil Scott: Our decency to one another is our greatest strength . Peter Duval: I am going to lose the election; Phil will win. Peter Duval: Campaign applies an Earth perspective to every issue. Bernie Sanders: I'd feel awful if America lost our 250 year old democracy. Gerald Malloy: Legacy: good husband and Christian. Gerald Malloy: Religious liberty is at risk; no infringing religious rights. Esther Charlestin: First black woman to win VT gubernatorial nomination. Esther Charlestin: Condemned with IFFY award for running "Issue-Free" campaign. Phil Scott: We can fiercely debate issues but be civil and respectful. |
|
Social Security Brenda Siegel: Governor opposing pension bill not good for workers. Jim Douglas: Fully fund teacher retirement fund. Phil Scott: Enacted state tax relief on Social Security benefits. Esther Charlestin: More people retiring than entering the workforce. Sue Minter: Fully fund teacher retirement fund. Gerald Malloy: Restore long-term solvency without cutting entitlements. |
|
Tax Reform Bernie Sanders: Capital gains & dividend tax cuts are giveaways to the rich. Brooke Paige: Vermont should not be the "Land of Endless Taxes". Bruce Lisman: Reset our finances and no new taxes. Bruce Lisman: Stop taxing retirement benefits & other new taxes & fees. Christine Hallquist: Revamp tax structure and increase taxes on the wealthy. David Zuckerman: Institute a wealth tax on state's richest residents. David Zuckerman: Rebuild economy by taxing wealthiest Vermonters. David Zuckerman: Differentiate between those who can or cannot pay more taxes. David Zuckerman: Multiple ways of revenue, including taxes. David Zuckerman: Address pandemic budget hole with taxes & rainy day fund. David Zuckerman: No new taxes; we will have to live within our means. Gerald Malloy: For limited government, not overspending, not more taxes. Greg Parke: Completely eliminate federal estate tax. Keith Stern: Holding the line won't work; cut taxes and fees. Keith Stern: Supports new tax reform and wants Vermont to cut taxes also. Matt Dunne: Increase taxes on high earners; decrease property taxes. Peter Shumlin: Raise state budget reserve from 5% to 8%, for tough times. Peter Shumlin: Avoid raising taxes; balance budget by cuts & efficiencies. Phil Scott: Balanced budget without raising taxes. Phil Scott: Property taxes shouldn't grow faster than property values. Phil Scott: Increase estate tax exemption from $2.75M to $5.75M. Phil Scott: Scott and Republicans blocked many new taxes. Phil Scott: Tax burden takes a toll on economic development. Phil Scott: Reduce unemployment payroll tax without impacting benefits. Phil Scott: Will propose a balanced and progressive tax relief package. Phil Scott: Let's eliminate the tax on military pensions. Richard Tarrant: Raise the estate tax exemption but don't eliminate it. Richard Tarrant: Extend capital gains and dividend tax cuts. Scott Milne: Cap the state-wide property tax in first two weeks. Shap Smith: Avoid raising taxes; balance budget by cuts & efficiencies. Brenda Siegel: Progressive tax structure where wealthy pay their fair share. Peter Welch: More enforcement of taxes due from the top 1%. Phil Scott: Exempt more retirees, low-income workers, student interest. Brenda Siegel: Fund education from income tax rather than property taxes. David Zuckerman: Shift burden of property taxes to state's highest earners. Rebecca Holcombe: Supports an income-based property tax system. Scott Milne: Fund education from income tax rather than property taxes. Peter Duval: Let property taxes go up into nether regions of income. Esther Charlestin: Wealthiest Vermonters should pay their fair share. |
|
Technology Brenda Siegel: Transform our transportation system to green infrastructure. Christine Hallquist: Grow the economy by connecting all to fiber optic cable. Christine Hallquist: Invest in transportation infrastructure, give access to all. David Zuckerman: Must increase broadband access in rural Vermont. David Zuckerman: Invest more in broadband, create hubs around the state. Keith Stern: Cut spending by $100M and put half into infrastructure. Patrick Leahy: First senator with a blog; second to have internet homepage. Patrick Leahy: Inducted into FOIA "Hall of Fame" for defending law. Peter Shumlin: Connect VT: $53M for rural broadband & cell service. Peter Shumlin: $106M to improve 65 bridges; plus high speed rail. Phil Scott: Reform alternative utility regulation; no executive bonuses. Phil Scott: Alliance with Microsoft for digital skills, computer science. Phil Scott: State invests in expanding broadband connectivity. Phil Scott: We must continue to expand access to broadband. Rebecca Holcombe: Create energy storage sites; modernize the electric grid. Sue Minter: Utility rate goal: transparent process & affordable rates. Brenda Siegel: Incentives for electric buses, trains, and cars. |
|
War & Peace John MacGovern: No nation-building in Afghanistan or Iraq. Patrick Leahy: Wrote first law banning export of anti-personnel landmines. Richard Tarrant: No specific deadline, but out of Iraq as soon as possible. Richard Tarrant: Iraq war is over extending the country's financial resources. Sue Minter: Immediate withdrawal from Iraq instead of surge. Gerald Malloy: I served in Mideast and Europe: people want peace on earth . Gerald Malloy: Support peace and a fair solution in the Middle East. |
|
Welfare & Poverty Brenda Siegel: Create a plan that meets needs of housing crisis. Brenda Siegel: Slept on Statehouse steps for 27 nights for homeless funding. David Zuckerman: Supported affordable housing in Vermont State House. David Zuckerman: Support new affordable housing, improve existing homes. Matt Dunne: Guide corporate partnerships with nonprofit & public sectors. Phil Scott: $35 million housing bond for full spectrum of housing. Rebecca Holcombe: Target investment at affordable homes & rentals. Phil Scott: Housing is key; remove impediments to growth. Phil Scott: Housing is key; remove impediments to growth. David Zuckerman: Historical redlining perpetuates wealth inequality. Esther Charlestin: Support Act 250: more affordable homes . Gerald Malloy: Reckless "stimulus" caused a self-inflicted recession. |
|
|
All material copyright 1999-2022 by Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org Reprinting by permission only. |
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org 
Send donations or submit quotations to: OnTheIssues.org 1770 Massachusetts Ave. #630 Cambridge, MA 02140 |
OnTheIssues.org
| |
| Most recent quotations | Archive of books & debates | Candidate Matching Quiz | |
Page last edited: Mar 14, 2026
