In Fairness, a Thank You

On this Thursday the Republican Caucus showed it true colors of one of total hypocrisy in picking a Republican Committee person to fill the 17th Legislative Seat, a Democratic seat for over 18 years.

One exception was Legislator Shawn Doyle. Mr. Doyle stood and fought last year for the right of the political committee to appoint a replacement for a vacancy in a legislative district. Staying true to his words on the floor he voted to honor Len Ponzi, and voted for a Democrat to fill the seat. In fairness we thank you for your principled stand.

Legislators which had voted against "The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." are,

Legislator Gardner said he respects that process. "If something happens to me I would want the two committees (republican) from my district to choose my successor," he said. VN 5/16/07


"Republican committee people are elected by the people in their district," Legislator Barbara Brown said. "Those people represent the people of their district, and the people in the north country have spoken." VN 4/19/07



Legislator Jack Proud, a staunch Republican, told fellow legislators that he was disappointed that the process that has been in place for decades was not followed.

"As a legislator of a number of years, I'm extremely disappointed that we're engaged in this process this evening," he said. "The local people in that area have spoken. The local
committee has spoken, by an overwhelming vote."

He added, "This legislature should not be playing God in this instance. It should abide by the wishes of the local committee. The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." VN 4/19/07