Comments on: Blue America Welcomes Rep. David Zuckerman, Lead Author of Vermont’s Same Sex Marriage Bill

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:07:05 +0000

You bet, back to my daughter and the plants in the greenhouse that need some water on this beautiful sunny day! (here).

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:06:26 +0000

Generally my district is overwhelmingly supportive on this issue. A recent, non-scientific, poll showed 80-90% support for marriage.

I also have a decent relationship with those that are opposed to my position on this and abortion (often the same people) because I have always respected them with my time and discussion.

Being so small, and my patience to discuss issues rather than blow them off has made this kind of situation much less antagonistic for those that are not on our side of the issue.

It takes great patience…but it is worth it in the long run

By: Howie Klein

Howie Klein — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:04:36 +0000

David, thanks for spending the time with us. I hope we’ll see you back here again… and again. And thanks for what you and your colleagues did this week

By: AZ Matt

AZ Matt — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:03:18 +0000

David,

Any Tea Parties in your neighborhood this next week? Do you have to deal with many of those “crazy” folks?

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:02:54 +0000

Thank you Howie and everyone else who chimed in (and read).

It has been a great discussion.

Contact me anytime at dzuckerman@leg.state.vt.us

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:56:51 +0000

I sure hope so…he has really impacted our state in a terrible way.

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:55:33 +0000

True…but he has held statewide office since the 80’s and at that time Vermont was not so blue.

He has a photographic memory…if he meets you once…he remembers your name and what kind of dog you had. probably 1/4 of the state has shaken his hand. People here keep folks in office unless they really gum things up. He is a ho hum chummy kind of guy so they keep voting for him.

I am not sure they will this time though. Even the business community is beginning to wonder about his leadership with the laize faire (sp?) attitude that he brings to office. Time is not on his side. I think this issue of marraige equality also has been damaging to him. I think he missjudged this one.

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:53:12 +0000

We have redisctricting coming up in Vermont after the next election cycle. It appears that with the Republicans out of control of the HOuse (as they were last time we did redistricting) that Burlington or at least this county, will gain a seat that was denie it with gerrymandering 8 years ago.

By: Howie Klein

Howie Klein — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:53:06 +0000

How does he even get elected in Vermont? He sounds like a complete nightmare

By: DavidZuckerman

DavidZuckerman — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:51:57 +0000

We are fortunate to have as much power as we do considering we only have 1 congressman and the 2 senators. But you are absolutely right.

In some ways the system is archaic. In other ways..it helps a small state like ours.

One of my good friends is working on the issue of National Popular Vote (NPV) to reduce the inequity of the Presidential races. They currently focus on a handful of “swing” states, regardless of size. With NPV the election will be back in the hands of the people…some progress is happening there too. We are hoping to pass it in Vermont and join several others that have moved in that direction. It will be interesting to see whether our Governor will sign it. He vetoed it last year.