A Republican candidate for a Newport seat in the Vermont House has broken with the GOP and plans to run as an independent.
Kendall Lambert announced the news in a Thursday Facebook post entitled “Running as a Republican for the Vermont House Was a Mistake.” In it, she proclaimed her advocacy for small government, low taxes and Constitutional rights, including the unfettered right to bear arms.
But her belief in individual liberty has put her at odds with the national Republican Party. Lambert wrote that the GOP is advancing “policies and rhetoric [that] seek to codify racism, sexism, discrimination, and inequality.”
“When I began to think about running for office, I thought the Republican Party would be the best way to represent my beliefs and have major party backing,” Lambert said in an interview Friday. “But as I started campaigning, I realized that I couldn’t. The national GOP is not a party I could support.”
She believed that the Vermont party was “different” and more amenable to her beliefs. But then came “the last straw” — the June 22 House vote on a resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s policy of separating families that cross the U.S. border seeking asylum. The measure passed by a margin of 106-17. All the “No” votes were cast by Republicans.
“I just had to say, ‘I’m done,'” Lambert said.
Lambert is the administrative director of the Memphremagog Watershed Association, a nonprofit that promotes conservation activities and awareness around Lake Memphremagog and its tributaries.
She is collecting signatures to get on the November ballot as an independent; her name will remain on the August Republican primary ballot along with Woody Page and incumbent Republican Michael Marcotte, both residents of Newport. (The other incumbent in the two-seat district, Gary Viens, is not seeking re-election.) She says she is “undecided” whether she will accept the nomination if she finishes in the top two in the primary.
If she does, it will be against the wishes of the party.
“We probably would push to support the two Republicans on the ballot and distance ourselves from Kendall,” said Chet Greenwood, chair of the Orleans County GOP. “The party hasn’t officially supported anyone in the primary, but I think we will now.”
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Sounds like she shouldn’t run at all. May make people happy??
Donna would have been vote number 18,
I can understand why people would not want to be linked to the current Republican administration; I wouldn’t either. Having been both a Republican in earlier years, and a Democrat in later years, I am now an Independent. I’m looking for a new party of Moderates. This would replace the older Dems and GOPs who could and did reach across the aisle for the good of the whole, and who were able to use common sense, moderation and civility, working together for the greater good. As I recall these people actually did represent their constituencies – imagine that. Of course that was before “Corporations Are People”. There is a lot to be said for reforming the current laws to bring the country back to a manageable level. The strangest thing is that neither party wants to do so. As Simon and Garfunkel once said, “A man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest”.
Oh, swell. Another John McCain. (No. He was NOT a hero). Head this bimbo off at the pass. Might as well vote for a Democrat. No difference here…… AND….with her lack of principles, this woman would stab the other Republicans in the back. Don’t vote for her.
A coherent whole is made up of parts
“Oh, swell. Another John McCain. (No. He was NOT a hero).”
Yes, he is a hero. He served his country in the Viet Nam War and spent years as a prisoner. He didn’t shirk his obligations by claiming “bone spurs.” Shame on you.
John McCain was shot down on his first combat mission over Vietnam. The only reason he became notable was because his daddy and granddaddy were both accomplished admiral. Not much of a hero by my account
“John McCain was shot down on his first combat mission over Vietnam. The only reason he became notable was because his daddy and granddaddy were both accomplished admiral. Not much of a hero by my account.”
He served. He served when others used their connections to get out, or claimed “bone spurs.” He was wounded. And he spent months in a North Vietnamese animal cage. And he never broke.
Maybe you should try it.
I would vote for Kendall Lambert no matter what she says. She’s cute and I’m an idiot.
McCain was a SONGBIRD. He gave the Viet Cong info. He was given special treatment and he was in a “cage” for about a week until he started talking. There were many men who were there. They step forward when Nixon yield him a hero. He was the caused of the fire on the USS Forrestal, While the fire raged on McCain ran below deck out of harm way while others fought to help others on fire, getting wounded sailors help and trying to put out the fire. McCain was swiftly taken off the ship. and he didn’t even burn a finger. McCain is a coward. McCain is nothing but a coward who is a TRAITOR !!!