Posted on 02/13/2006 8:57:37 PM PST by LdSentinal
ST. ALBANS — Adj. Gen. Martha Rainville made it official at a scripted campaign rally before more than 100 cheering supporters and the media: She’s a candidate for U.S. Congress.
At a morning rally kicking off a two-day campaign swing through the state, Rainville told the crowd, “I want to serve in Congress as your advocate, as your voice on issues affecting you and your families, on issues affecting Vermont and America. Too much time and energy in Washington is being spent on finger-pointing and bickering across party lines.”
“The focus seems to lie not on resolving issues, but on discrediting those who disagree,” she told an energized crowd, who at times broke into chants of “Martha, Martha, Martha.”
“Congress needs to re-focus on serving Americans. Together, you and I can begin a journey to make that happen. Progress comes when people rise above their own biases and personal agendas and commit to working cooperatively on solutions.”
Gov. Jim Douglas introduced Rainville to the crowd, calling her a “proven leader with a keen intellect who will bring a fresh voice to Congress.”
Rainville said her background as the state’s top military officer, as well as being a woman and a mother, will help her bring a “valuable and unique perspective” to the House.
She outlined basic campaign themes, calling for improving health care for Vermonters, honoring veterans and “bringing our troops home with honor,” as well as securing Social Security for seniors, and becoming less dependent on foreign oil. Finally, she called for more fiscal responsibility and ethical behavior in Congress.
“I am a Republican,” she said flatly. “But candor compels me to say that some of the Republicans in control of the House have lost their way. In doing so, they have lost the respect of many Americans. Together, we can begin to restore a respectable Congress.”
Rainville said she would resign from her post as adjutant general effective April 1.
Talking with reporters after the announcement, Rainville said it was a media report that made her campaign aware of a donation by the political action committee (PAC) of former House Majority Leader Roy Blunt, R-MO, and the House Whip. Blunt’s PAC, the Rely on Your Beliefs Fund, reported sending $2,000 to her campaign in October. The PAC and Rainville’s campaign said the check was never received or cashed.
A PAC spokesman told the Guardian that a new check had been issued.
When asked by a reporter if her campaign had received the second PAC check, she said, “Yes, and we did accept it.”
Blunt has come under increasing scrutiny as part of the widening probe into the dealings of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Rainville, who has been touted by leading Republicans as the choice GOP candidate, has faced mounting criticism or refusing to answer questions about hot-button political issues while amassing more than $100,000 in campaign contributions.
She told reporters on Monday that she is pro-choice, and that in hindsight it might appear as if the United States moved into Iraq too quickly. She added, “I think it’s very easy to look back now and second guess, but I think many Americans and members of Congress believed at the time it was the right decision.”
Douglas introduced Rainville to the crowd, calling her a “proven leader with a keen intellect who will bring a fresh voice to Congress.”
She faces two potential primary challengers: State Sen. Mark Sheperd of Bennington and former Burlington restaurateur Dennis Morrisseau.
State Sen. Peter Welch of Windsor County is the presumptive Democratic nominee and faces no known primary opponent. Welch has raised nearly $500,000 to date.
In a statement Monday, Welch welcomed Rainville into the contest. "This race is about Vermont's future. I believe we must stop the Bush-Cheney train in its tracks by changing the leadership of Congress,” said Welch. “Vermonters will have an important choice in November: will they vote to reign in a radical president and provide a check and balance on his radical agenda that has been damaging to Vermont, or vote for more of the same.”
State Rep. David Zuckerman, a Burlington Progressive, is also considering a run for the state’s single congressional seat. Zuckerman, who has raised about $7,000, told the Guardian that he too would soon make an announcement regarding his political intentions.
U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, is not running for re-election. Instead, he is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jim Jeffords, I-VT.
Also on hand at Rainville’s announcement was a film crew for a prominent GOP media consulting firm, Stevens, Reed, Cursio and Potholm, gathering footage for a campaign commercial.
The firm’s clients have included Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and many other top GOP officials, according to the company’s website.
The firm also claims it was instrumental in the effort behind the 2004 Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, comprised of former Vietnam veterans who believed that Democrat John Kerry trumped up his military record for political gain.
At several times during the announcement, members of the film crew could be seen gesturing to attendees to move so they could be better seen by the camera.
The governor was urged by Neale Lunderville, his top political aide and Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, to move into a better position for the camera. For several minutes, Lunderville attempted to get Douglas’ attention through subtle gestures, finally getting the governor to move slightly to his left.
Considering that Vermont has given us the only declared Socialist in Congress as well has Howard Dean, a RINO is probably the best we can expect from such a state.
Considering the current landscape, and weakness of some GOP incumbents, I would really consider getting back this Vermont seat a grand victory whoever we run.
If she wins the seat, at least she wont be another Bernie Sanders. A RINO who is no support is better than a liberal who is actively trying to bring down the administration and it's agenda.
"I personally like Greg Parke."
That is the senate I think. This is the house of representatives.
She's an Ole Miss grad....
Does she have a chance? Even though I'm right next door, I gave up on Vermont politics after Fred Tuttle threw in the towel
Strangely, the avowed Socialist will be the heavy favorite. I honestly do not know if she can win....
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