Kerry won Vermont with 59% of the vote, so the House seat vacated by Bernie Sanders should be an easy pick up, right?
Well, probably, but the Progressive Party in Vermont has some support and has fielded spoiler candidates in the past. Anthony Polina took 24% in the race for Lt Governor in 2002, handing the election to a Republican who won with 41%.
The best thing Democrats can do is unite behind a strong candidate early. State Senator Matt Dunne does not have much name recognition yet, but he's clearly a rising star in the party who can hold this seat for Democrats for a long time to come.
Dunne won his first election for state house at the tender age of 22. He's worked as an IT executive and was director of Americorps Vista under Clinton. He won a tough race for state senate in 2000.
According to the Times Argus, Dunne is already accepting donations and has all but decided to run.
David Zuckerman, a Progressive state legislator (and organic farmer) from Burlington, is seriously considering a bid for the House, which could be enough to make a weak Republican competitive.
A primary fight among Democrats will embolden the Progressives and the GOP to invest in the race. Dunne is a great progressive - with a small p - and we should all chip in to give him early momentum.
Check out Dunne's website and see why people are excited about him.