I want to reach out to the many supporters of my Vermont House of Representatives campaign to say a big THANK YOU!
Election Day was a long but exciting day, resulting in a conclusive victory for my campaign. I was truly honored to receive 3,164 votes (28.6%)—enough to earn one of two seats in our Washington-2 district. Incumbent Democrat Dara Torre succeeded in her re-election bid, winning the second seat in our district with 2,644 votes (23.9%). Independent John Burns and Common Sense party candidate Gene Bifano received 19.9% and 9.4% of the votes respectively.
While many of us are disappointed with the results of the presidential election, I am viewing it as a call-to-action. We have grown so distant from the majority of the country that we really can’t understand why they voted the way they did. I am committed to beginning to engage in conversation with those who have different views than I. I do think many Americans voted with their pocketbooks—because essential items like groceries and building supplies are so much more expensive than they were four or five years ago—but finding common ground is essential.
I am packing up campaign miscellany, and have driven around the district to remove yard signs. Thank you to those of you who hosted a sign. I noticed that a few were stolen (I can imagine how exciting it would be to have one of these in your private collection!), but overall, I felt the campaign had a good presence. Many of you complimented my campaign logo—credit goes to Audrey Huffman of Full Moon Designs (with design influence from April Smith). Amy Kimmel and Rob Perry of Shirt Happens printed not one but two orders of t-shirts, which carried us through the July Fourth Parade, canvassing, and Election Day. Barrie Fisher Photography took beautiful photographs used for print ads and online. Cashel Higgins and Claire Pommer, Harwood Union High School juniors, were my canvassing team extraordinaire. Lila Montgomery helped with social-media and canvassing, and Evelyn Seidner of VNRC (pictured) also helped canvass. I want to thank Kirsten Seibert, Megan Moffroid, Carole Parker, Dan Reicher, Win Smith, Dori Ingalls, Bonnie Barnes, and Dana and John Donaldson for hosting a series of friendraiser/fundraiser events that were instrumental in raising some funds and awareness for the campaign. Thank you to all my generous donors. And thank you to outgoing Representative Kari Dolan for encouraging me to run and supporting me along the way.
As for future Representative duties: The 2025 Legislative Session begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. A three-day General Assembly Orientation begins on Tuesday, November 19th. And I will continue educating myself on the complex issues that await us, including housing, education funding, health care, and climate change.
And because I am feeling that there should be some formal end to the campaign, I will be at Lawson’s Finest Liquids next Thursday, November 21st 5 PM – 7 PM to celebrate, say thank you, and continue an open dialogue with members of our community. I plan to continue to hold constituent dialogues periodically next session, including a few on the chairlift at Mad River Glen and Sugarbush. Please join me!
Candice
P.S. This newsletter was sent to all donors, volunteers, and monthly-newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to receive my monthly newsletter, please sign up on my website (which triggers a one-time verification email).
