Vermont, the land of maple syrup and mountains, has always had a flair for the unexpected. Nestled between its rolling hills and quaint towns is a political landscape as quirky as its weather—where you can find Bernie Sanders and Phil Scott, two polar opposites, coexisting in relative harmony.

It’s a state where politics isn’t just a spectator sport; it’s a full-contact snowball fight, and everyone knows how to duck.

But this year, something’s brewing in the Green Mountain State. As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, there’s a buzz that’s got folks talking. It’s not just about the usual debates over taxes or town meetings, but something that’s stirring deeper, catching even the most seasoned Vermonters by surprise.

From Fox News:
After tabulations from the state’s recent primary were finalized, the Vermont Republican Party recorded 22 new candidates for state House races, on top of the 74 that had already been on the ballot for the 150-member chamber.

While nationally considered a blue state, Vermont Republican Party Chairman Paul Dame said Monday the development was exceptional, given the state’s actual penchant to blur partisan lines…

“I think we’re absolutely poised to pick up seats from where we have been, there seems to be much more energy and cohesion on the Republican side than we’ve had in a while,” Dame said.

It seems Vermont Republicans are finally shaking off the snow and getting into gear. You wouldn’t expect it from a state where Bernie Sanders is practically a folk hero, but the GOP is making a bit of a comeback, and it’s got a lot to do with some good old-fashioned sticker shock—courtesy of a “double-digit” property tax hike that has Vermonters checking their wallets and wondering if they’ve got enough left for their next bottle of maple syrup.

Now, let’s be honest: Vermont isn’t exactly a red state. It’s more like a deep shade of blue, with a streak of independent stubbornness running right through it. But that doesn’t mean the Republicans are ready to just roll over and hibernate. Far from it. The party has managed to field 96 candidates for the state House—22 of whom jumped in after the recent primary. This might not seem like much, but in a state where Democrats recently secured a supermajority, it’s practically a revolution.

Paul Dame, the Vermont GOP chairman, is feeling pretty optimistic. He’s got reason to be. People are waking up to the reality that a single-party government isn’t always a picnic. When your property taxes are climbing faster than a squirrel up a maple tree, even the most ardent progressives start to get a little jittery.

And who’s been doing the heavy lifting for the GOP? None other than Governor Phil Scott, a Republican so moderate he might just be Bernie’s favorite sparring partner. Scott’s popularity is through the roof—81% approval—because he’s not afraid to stand up to his own party, or to the Democrats when necessary. Vermonters seem to appreciate a politician who can think for himself, even if they don’t always agree with what he’s thinking.

This surge in Republican candidates isn’t just about taxes, though. It’s about affordability, inflation, and the realization that maybe—just maybe—more government isn’t always the answer. It’s about regular folks deciding they’ve had enough of sitting on the sidelines while their state is governed by people who seem to think money grows on trees, or at least can be harvested like sap.

Dame recounts a story of one new candidate, a guy from Colchester, who was on the fence about running until he saw what was happening to his state. Like many Vermonters, he made a commitment to stay and fight for a better future, not just for his family, but for all of Vermont. And he’s not alone. There’s a quiet but growing movement of people who are tired of being taken for granted by a government that seems more interested in ideological purity than practical solutions.

So, while the rest of the country is gearing up for the big show in 2024, keep an eye on Vermont. It might just surprise you. After all, in a state where Bernie Sanders and Phil Scott both call home, anything is possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Vermont Republicans have fielded 96 candidates for state House races, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.
• The GOP’s surge is largely driven by dissatisfaction with recent property tax hikes and concerns over affordability and inflation.
• Governor Phil Scott, a popular moderate Republican, has played a key role in energizing the party and attracting new candidates.

Source: Fox News