BRATTLEBORO — I am blessed to live in Vermont, where there is a deep tradition of state government playing a positive and practical role in dealing with societal problems.
This is possible because public-spirited leaders are able to find common ground, regardless of partisan differences. You can find that spirit behind the creation of our most significant laws: tough debate, tough compromise. And Vermont is better for it.
Today, Congress is light years away from this tradition. Ideology rules there. A desire to actually govern is only an afterthought.
In this context, I urge you to vote for Rep. Peter Welch for re-election in November.
What moves me is that, in spite of the chronic dysfunction of the Boehner-led House of Representatives, he still wants Congress to govern. He works intelligently and persistently to find common ground with GOP colleagues and like-minded, practical Democrats, albeit in small ways.
He co-founded the Problem Solvers Coalition. Nearly half of the bills he introduced this year have Republican co-sponsors, and he has earned their respect.
He has had meaningful success, such as fighting an FDA-proposed rule that would hurt artisan-cheese makers and to allow local brewers to send spent grain to farmers.
Given his experience in Vermont and his strongly articulated progressive values, I am in awe of his ability to hold firm to his desire to achieve practical results in such a toxic environment.
Peter Welch has earned my respect and my vote.