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.”
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“She didn’t need to use the campaign to get a job she already had one that she gave up to run.”
Yes, and if you’d been following the news, that’s a bridge she burned with her former employer (VPIRG) for her ego trip, and a job she would never get back.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen Gekas a could of times and been impressed every time.
My comment was only intended to address the absurd notion that her run was a self-aggrandizing rather than courageous decision. Cass steped up in a big way for Vermont and would be an excellent choice for Lt. Governor.
Isn’t this a conflict of interest? If she loses she’ll have a job with VSEA. If she wins she’ll be a toady for that same union while she serves in Montpelier.
Checking the election results from the primary, Ms. Gekas received over 23,000 votes (even more than Bill Sorrell in the hotly contested Attorney General race). Yes, I know she was running unopposed, but the fact remains, Ms. Gekas has only proven herself to be more of a worthy candidate through her debates and public speaking giving voters even MORE of a reason to vote for her. If you haven’t already, listen to the debates (some are on her YouTube channel – http://www.youtube.com/gekas2012 and others are at VPR and WCAX). There is no hemming and hawing – she knows where she stands on the issues and is willing to stand toe to toe and discuss policy and accomplishments.
If Vermonters are voting for Governor Shumlin, and most are, wouldn’t it be smart for them to also for for Ms. Gekas for Lt. Governor?
She didn’t need to use the campaign to get a job she already had one that she gave up to run.
The biggest problem with politics today is that the only people who run are those who have money or are already in office. Kudos to Cass for making a personal financial sacrifice to bring a new perspective into the race.
She’s running a race against an popular incumbent that no on else was willing to challenge (remember she was unopposed in the primary). She’s got courage and is great on the issues. I’m looking forward to her winning the election and turning down the VSEA job.
I’ve donated to her campaign (as well as to other Democrats) and will again. She’s put more of her own money into this campaign in terms of forgone wages then any of her donors are allowed to contribute. I’m glad she’s got a back up plan.
Cassandra Gekas was willing to step up and challenge a popular incumbent Lt. Governor when no one else in the Progressive or Democratic Parties was willing to do so and her candidacy has been GREAT for both parties. She guarantees the progressive that they will maintain their major party status and gives the Dems their best
shot to oust Phil Scott. Scott’s positions range from confusing (he’s in favor of wind power but doesn’t want to install anymore?) to awful (opposition to healthcare reform) but he is very affable and well liked. Since Scott is CLEARLY eying the Governor’s office, knocking him out now is the best thing that the Dems could do for Vermont.
WHOEVER ran against Scott was going to have an uphill fight and, perhaps understandably, no else in the Democratic party was willing to take that challenge. Cass did. She’s been running nonstop ever since and has a shot to beat him come Election Day. Given how tough the race was going to be for ANYONE who ran, however, how can you begrudge her for lining up a contingency plan in case the person who was always the favorite wins?
Here are a few glowing endorsement from people that know Cass Gekas well. Perhaps having some facts floating around this discussion would be enlightening.
“Cassandra has served the interest of Vermonters for years as an activist and advocate behind the scenes. She has been tenacious in pursuing issues that are vital to the state, and I am confident that she will continue to work diligently for the well-being of our community as Lieutenant Governor.”
~ VT Governor Peter Shumlin
“Cass is poised to carry forward the legacy of progress and shared prosperity championed by Vermont’s Democratic Party. She represents the next generation of leadership, bringing new ideas and fresh energy to the critical challenges we face. Her commitment to the security and prosperity of everyday Vermonters is clear to all who have worked with her. Her vision, tenacity, and depth of knowledge are all great assets for Vermont and she will shine as our next Lieutenant Governor.”
~ Former Vermont Governor Phil Hoff
“In her role as an advocate, Cass has effectively and diligently worked to ensure that all working Vermonters have access to affordable, quality health care. As Lieutenant Governor, I am confident she will continue this essential work.”
~ Speaker of the House Shap Smith
Very bright? I think not. Smart people don’t look for jobs A) when they are otherwise claiming they are going to win and we should be doing everything we can — including giving money — to make that so and B) when it means talking to organizations who have supported you, in the time the campaign is going on. How do you think Mark Mitchell is feeling, having to explain to his board and others how/why he’s hitting them up for money for a candidate who’s already written off her race? If he hires her, it would be stupefying.
I’m afraid this whole affair confirms what’s been around the edges of the Cassandra Gekas phenomenon-to-be since the beginning: an opportunistic, self-centered, unqualified twit, running on ego and little else.