I think Vermont is a unique state. They have elected the only self-professed democratic socialist senator twice, and elected him as a congressman for many years before that.
Now an early poll shows Bernie tied with Trump and Carson among Vermont Republicans:
According to a new poll conducted by the Castleton Polling Institute, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is tied for first place in the presidential race among Vermonters who identify as Republican or leaning Republican. The poll, conducted over the past three weeks, found that Sanders, businessman Donald Trump and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson each drew 12 percent of the GOP vote.
"He's the native son, so you expect a lot of support," institute director Rich Clark, who conducted the poll, says of Sanders. "But I didn't expect it to be as high among Republicans."
To be sure, Sanders is hardly walking away with the Republican vote. More than twice as many Vermont GOPers — 28 percent — say they're undecided. The rest are split between a fractured field, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who drew 8 percent, and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who drew 6 percent.
Sanders Tied for First Among Vermont Republicans
Because this is primary season, I offer the additional disclaimer. I do not claim this means anything or that Bernie will somehow change Republican minds. And it's only 12%. I offer the story only because it's funny. It made me laugh.