Seven Days, a Vermont Alternative Newspaper is reporting that Howard Dean's "Blogger-In-Chief", Zephyr Teachout is considering running for Congress in Vermont, the seat being vacated by Independent Bernie Sanders (who will likely have "Senator" next to his name in 2007). The link is
http://www.sevendaysvt.com/columns/inside_track_politics/2005/a_case_of_good_judgement/ , and my commentary is in the extended entry.
"Zephyr Alert! -- Former Deaniac and Norwich, Vermont, native Zephyr Teachout, 33, told "Inside Track" this week that she is seriously thinking about a run for Congress in 2006 despite the lack of encouragement she's getting from the good old boys in the Vermont Democrat Party, who'd like to avoid a primary. A final decision, she said, is still a couple months away.
So far, Democratic State Sen. Peter Welch of Hartland has announced his candidacy with three former Democratic governors at his side: Phil Hoff, Tom Salmon and Queen Madeleine.
Former Democratic State Sen. Peter Shumlin of Putney has also indicated he's targeting the open congressional seat.
Folks down Windham County way are not real pleased with Welchie's "sell-out" on above ground nuke waste storage at Entergy's Vermont Yankee. The issue gives Putney Pete a good base to build on.
If Young Zeph jumps in, it'll be a real doozy, eh? One Zephyr vs. two Peters.
For those who might think Zephyr is a bit on the young side, don't forget that Sen. Patrick Leahy was a lad of 34 when he won his first race for the U.S. Senate in 1974."
So sayeth "Seven Days", which is an alternative paper I haven't heard of, but apparently is well-respected in liberal circles up in the Green Mountain State.
When I first starting blogging seriously (when I began working for Kos on the Front Page back in 2003), I was always impressed by the dedication and ability of Howard Dean's Internet team, including Zephyr. That team made the Internet a political force at last, far more than just a money maker (although they did a great job with that, too!), and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Dean's machine for that. And the more of us that run for office, the better.
Not to mention that Zephyr's got political pedigree in Vermont-her Mom is a Regional Court Justice in that state, and Vermonters who backed Howard Dean will probably back Zephyr in a heartbeat. However, two "big name" Democrats are already running, and both will have establishment backing over Zephyr. One is State Senate President Peter Welch, and the other is ex-State Senator Shumlin, both of whom have run for statewide office before (being so small, VT's House seat is at-large). The name ID factor will make Zephyr's race an uphill climb, to say the least.
I'll try and find out more when I can.