Maybe you’ve seen the lawn signs — bright blue placards with white letters imploring you to re-elect someone named “Phil Baruth” to the state Senate this November.
We definitely remember a guy named “Philip Baruth.” He was an author, English professor at UVM, political blogger, VPR commentator and was elected to represent Chittenden County in the state Senate in 2010. It appears that Philip Baruth still works at UVM. And the state’s official 2012 candidate roster lists a Philip Baruth, but no Phil.
So who is this Phil Baruth? Seven Days launched a resource-intensive investigation to learn the truth. But after numerous public records requests, dozens of scathing editorials and many nights of digging through Philip Baruth’s trash, we were no closer to an answer.
So we picked up the phone, dialed Philip Baruth and asked him.
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Oh, for gods sake. The aesthete Philip Baruth is running away from his own real name. How pathetic is that.
Finally, some hard-hitting investigative journalism. Well-done.
Seriously, call me anything you like — I’m easy. But never Philly.
(Except for you, Mom.)
This happens frequently in Montpelier – ask Robert Dostis how many people suddenly began calling him Bob!