Election Day is still a week away, but Cassandra Gekas says she has already lined up a new job if her bid for lieutenant governor falls short.

The Progressive and Democratic candidate said Monday she’s been offered a job as legislative coordinator — or chief lobbyist — for the Vermont State Employees Association, which represents 5200 state workers.

“I’ve had an interview with them and they’ve said they want to bring me on, so now it’s sitting there until after the election,” Gekas said.

Gekas said she reached out to VSEA executive director Mark Mitchell last week upon learning that the union was hiring. During a job interview last Thursday, according to Gekas, “He said it’s yours if you want it.”

She added, “I don’t know what their processes are like, but I can’t do anything official because I want to see where the race turns out. That’s where my energies are focused.”

Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.

39 replies on “Gekas Says She’s Been Offered a Job by Public Employee Union”

  1. And exactly why is it relevant whether I’ve run for office? Have you run for anything? What does that have to do with whether she’s qualified, or whether this is an ego trip for her? And if I did run for office, I’d have the decency and humility the first time out to run for House, not Lt. Gov — a job that’s a heartbeat away from being Governor.

  2. You are aware that our current Lieutenant Governor (and likely every Lt. Gov. before him) has a day job, right? Remember Captain Dubie? Or Doctor Dean? I call your BS and raise you “facts”.

  4. Accusing arrogance yet being arrogant and ignorant yourself seems curious. Ms. Gekas has been working in Vermont for over 9 years. Where have you been? Being an informed voter is a responsibility you might consider taking more seriously.

  5. You just moved here and you’re running for Lt. Gov. That’s incredibly arrogant. As far as I can tell, you’re barely out of college. What life experience do you have? Have you ever had a private sector job in VT? You know, go to work, punch your time card, earn a paycheck, and risk getting fired if you’re not productive? Whether we’re for or against single-payer, it seems quite arrogant for you to suggest that we need or want your just-moved-here leadership. If you were really interested in showing that this is not all just about furthering your own personal ambitions, you’d start your political career with a run for state rep from your district. Starting at the top does nothing for your credibility.

  6. There is a difference between making a public announcement and answering a reporter’s question with honesty. When Paul Heintz, of 7Days, called to ask if I had any conversations with VSEA about possible post-election employment, I answered honestly. Perhaps it is this honesty that has caused a stir. But in my book, sincerity & honest are the most important traits an elected official can have.
    For those who have seen me in action or heard me speak, there is little doubt that I have poured my heart and soul into this race. I am ready to lead and serving as Vermont’s Lt. Governor would be a true honor. I’ve been criss-crossing the state since June, working as hard as I can to get my name and message re: universal health care, affordable childcare, and renewable energy out there. The outpouring of support I have received in return, has been incredible. In the final days before the election, I’m taking one last tour of the state – to meet Vermonters one-on-one and encourage them to make it to the polls. It is true that I’m an average Vermonter with student loan bills and a car payment. It has been a struggle to make ends meet on the campaign trail, but I don’t regret a minute of it – in fact, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It also means that even now, I must be thinking about how I will pay my bills on November 7th – that’s simply the responsible thing to do. But for the next 6 days I’ll be giving 100%, just as I have during the previous 90+, And I will give 100% as Vermont’s next Lt. Governor However, I do know that, no matter where my journey leads, I will never waver in my commitment to universal health care, affordable childcare, and renewable energy. I am here to bring new energy to policymaking and to be a vehicle for positive change. I’m in it for the long-haul. Vermont is my home, it has my heart, and I will spend my life working to make it stronger.

  7. While Paul Ryan runs to be Vice President, he’s also running for Congress.
    I think Ms. Gekas is being responsible and reasonable and Vermonters understand the realities involved with campaigning. It’s not easy unseating an incumbent and traditionally, the odds would be against her. However, all you have to do is hear her speak on the issues, either in a debate with her contender or on the stump, to realize this woman is a force to be reckoned with. This is a race about leadership and an actual track record, not a race track. I think she could easily go toe to toe on policy and on accomplishments.

  8. Can you say bush league? How about conflict of interest? This woman is an embarrassment. Mark Mitchell is lucky he had an opportunity to find out just how dumb she is before he hired her. (P.S. I’m a lifelong Democrat. And a woman.)

  9. Guess this is what her doomed campaign was REALLY about: “putting herself on the radar,” and getting a better job than the one she had with VPIRG — a job that will position her well for a future run. Another egotistical newcomer steps up to the plate to use Vermont for her personal ambitions. Nice.

  10. Her campaign is a joke. She asks for money from Democrats, yet she’s already lining up another job? #reallysad

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