EMILY’s List is throwing its weight behind Rep. Kesha Ram’s (D-Burlington) bid for lieutenant governor, her campaign announced Thursday.
The national political organization, which claims 3 million members, supports pro-choice, Democratic women running for public office. Last month, it endorsed former transportation secretary Sue Minter’s gubernatorial campaign.
The group’s senior director for state engagement and development, Muthoni Wambu Kraal, noted in a written statement that EMILY’s List had supported Ram since she first ran for office in 2008.
“Kesha has been a champion for early childhood education and access to women’s reproductive health care, and will continue her extensive track record of advocating for Vermont’s women and families as lieutenant governor,” she said.
EMILY’s List endorsements typically come with significant financial support, but the group did not specifically identify Thursday how it would assist Ram’s campaign.
In her own statement, Ram said she is “honored” to received the group’s backing.
“Together we will lead on expanding access to early childhood and higher education, providing more affordable housing and supporting the next generation of Vermonters,” she said.
Ram is facing off against Sen. David Zuckerman (P/D-Chittenden) in the Democratic primary. Brandon Riker, a Marlboro Democrat, dropped out of the race Wednesday and endorsed Zuckerman. Former state auditor and senator Randy Brock is seeking the Republican nomination. Louis Meyers, a Williston doctor, is running as an independent.
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I know and like Kesha, and she has a long career ahead of her. But being Lt. Governor should have the same level of experience and knowledge as Governor, because one may need to step into that role at a moment’s notice. If a sitting Governor steps down or passes away, which most recently happened when Howard Dean took the office from Richard Snelling, the Lt. Governor automatically becomes Governor.
Kesha is 29 years old and has only served as a State Representative since 2009. I am surprised that she is not now running for State Senate, as there will be at least one open seat in Chittenden County. Would Kesha or a member of her campaign please respond to the expected critique concerning her experience that will come from the Republican candidate should she become the Democratic nominee?
You’re right; she is not qualified to become chief executive officer of this state should the Governor die. She has never had a job. But either is the hippie pretend-Democrat whom she is running against.