In a rare entry into local politics, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) leant his support Wednesday to Miro Weinberger, a Democrat running for mayor of Burlington.
Citing the need for all levels of government to focus on creating good jobs and affordable housing, Sanders said in a statement, “I am voting for Miro Weinberger for mayor of Burlington because I believe that he is the candidate best able to address these and other serious issues facing our city.”
An independent who caucuses with Senate Democrats, Sanders is widely revered by Progressives in Burlington, who have been slow to embrace Weinberger’s candidacy. Without a nominee of their own, Progressives have been split among the three candidates: Weinberger, Republican Kurt Wright and independent Wanda Hines.
“I’m extremely honored to have the support and confidence of Senator Sanders,” Weinberger said in a statement. “Bernie, as much as anyone, knows what it takes to make Burlington a great city. With a fresh voice, the right experience, and a new vision, Burlington can continue to make the remarkable progress of our recent past.”
Sanders pointed to Weinberger’s record as an affordable housing developer as a key reason he is backing the Democrat.
“I have been impressed by his private sector efforts to create environmentally sound mixed-use development,” Sanders said. “I have seen first hand his beautiful project in Richford which combines a locally-owned grocery store, a rural health center, a dental clinic, a pharmacy and affordable housing — just the kind of development Vermont needs.”
Dave Hartnett, a Democratic city councilor and Wright’s campaign manager, said Sanders’ endorsement was “not surprising.” He cited previous campaign events on behalf of Weinberger held by Gov. Peter Shumlin and Congressman Peter Welch, and a Washington, D.C., fundraiser featuring Sen. Patrick Leahy.
“That’s pretty much been the theme of his campaign, bringing in the big, Washington, D.C. politicians,” Hartnett said. “He went on a plane and raised thousands of dollars in D.C., so it’s not surprising he’s being endorsed by the big names in Washington, D.C.”
Hines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move, which has been rumored to be in the works for weeks, represents a further strengthening of the uneasy alliance between the independent senator and the state’s Democratic machine. Though ostensibly a man without a party, Sanders’ interests have long aligned with those of the Democrats, who have declined for years to field a serious opponent against him. Sanders, who faces reelection this fall, votes with Democrats on procedural matters and receives the Senate committee assignments he would if he were a member of the party.
Earlier this week, Weinberger received the support of Burlington’s Somali Bantu community and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #300.
Disclosure: I used to work for Congressman Peter Welch.
This article appears in Feb 29 – Mar 6, 2012.
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Uneasy alliance? Bernie has been cozy with the Dems for years. Pay attention. The Progs like to think they own him, but it’s the Dems who own him. He owes his seat in the Senate to the Dems. Ashe the same. You won’t see Ashe ever supporting a Prog. That time is over. (Ashe is the the domestic partner of Seven Days owner, Paula Routly)
Uh, wouldn’t Bernie be registered to vote for Mayor of Burlington?
I think that while Bernie will make his preference known, the Progs will choose their candidate and I think they are breaking for Kurt Wright. Wright has reached out to them and has worked better with Progs then Miro has. I cite his City Council Presidency as an example. I wouldn’t underestimate Miro but I think the Dems would have been better served with Bram as their nominee. I think Bram would have been a much more formidable and better candidate for the Dems and I think they will lose this election to Wright, who frankly is running a much better and local campaign. Prediction is clear: Wright will win albeit narrowly.
“(Ashe is the the domestic partner of Seven Days owner, Paula Routly)”
He is? Wow they should tell us these things. [sarcasm]
“It’s not surprising he’s being endorsed by the big names in Washington, DC.”
Bernie Sanders is a big name in Burlington! He’s one of the most popular politicians in Vermont history! What kind of criticism is this?
Uh, they (Seven Days) HAS been telling us about the Paula-Tim relationship from the very beginning. There’s been a disclaimer in the newspaper from day one of the Dem caucus race and it has continued even into the general election run-up. People who clamor for “transparency” ought to start by paying attention.
Most popular politicians in Vermont history? I don’t know a single informed person who likes him. Bernie is a great talker but all you have to do is look past the words and what his actual RECORD is to see how utterly useless he is. Miro should have declined the endorsement and told Bernie to pay attention to what he is getting paid to stick his nose in.
Did Bernie endorse Bob Kiss in 2006 and/or 2009?
Guess that worked out.
Just a joke. That was my point. Every time Ashe’s name is mentioned, so is his DP. Jocularity, jocularity.
too little too late
Yeah, nobody gets sarcasm.
What I’d like to know is: How long did it take Paula to domesticate him?