Last Push at the Polls 

I just got back from spending a couple of hours down at the Ward 5 polling station in Burlington (Burlington Electric Department down on Pine Street). Independent Anthony Pollina and Democrat Gaye Symington each took time to chat with voters on their way into vote.

Also milling around was Progressive Lt. Gov. candidate Richard Kemp (who lives in the district) and Progressive/Democrat Tim Ashe, who is running for one of six senate slots from Chittenden County.

Pollina was on his way to Barre and then Montpelier to finish up his day. He started in Middlesex and then headed to voter-rich Chittenden County. He'll make one stop before home before ending his day at Positive Pie in Montpelier to watch ballot results.

Symington spent her day in Chittenden County. She voted a week ago in her hometown of Jericho. In fact, 1000 residents out of a checklist of 3800 voted early in her town.

Incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Douglas spent his day entirely outside of Chittenden County, hitting Republican strongholds in Rutland, Manchester and then off to White River Junction, Barre and his expected victory party in Montpelier at the Capitol Plaza.

Both Pollina and Symington feel their campaigns are ending on high notes — positive and energetic, and ones that have successfully challenged a three-term incumbent governor.

"After six years and spending $1 million if the governor can't get 50 percent of the vote, I think that says something," said Pollina.

Symington concurs.

"I think what has been most striking is that you had a three-term incumbent governor spending most of his time and money not talking about his work, but on negative attacks that distort the record and actions of his opponents," said Symington.

We're getting close to air time here at Channel 17, so I need to get ready to roll ... I'll post more on this discussion later.

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