Jeffords backs Douglas; Leahy endorses Parker
MONTPELIER, Vt. --Vermont's longest-serving statewide politicians are parting company on who should be governor come January.
U.S. Sen. Jim Jeffords, who famously handed control of the U.S. Senate to Democrats when he left the GOP five years ago, is supporting Republican Gov. Jim Douglas' re-election campaign.
That marked almost the first time that Jeffords has endorsed a Republican since he bolted the party in 2001. He offered his backing to close personal friend Jimmy Johnston when Johnston unsuccessfully sought a seat in the state House. Friendship was the reason for Wednesday's endorsement, also.
"While politics is famous for its fleeting friendships, I deeply appreciate your steadfast friendship over the past three decades, and am pleased to be able to support your re-election," Jeffords wrote to Douglas.
The announcement eclipsed the Democrats' hopes to showcase their own high-profile endorsement.
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., made clear he is sticking with fellow Democrat Scudder Parker, with whom he campaigned Wednesday at an event highlighting renewable energy.
"He's my party's nominee. I think he would make a very, very good governor," Leahy said at a toy manufacturer in Barre, chosen because it uses wood waste left over from its manufacturing to heat the factory.
It's doubtful either announcement will make much difference in a race that polls show Douglas comfortably leading with less than two weeks until the election, said Middlebury College political scientist Eric Davis.
Voters are much more likely to be "making their decisions in state races on the performance ... of Jim Douglas," Davis said.
Jeffords and Leahy might have more of an impact, he said, in how voters decide the race for the U.S. House. Both have endorsed Democrat Peter Welch over Republican Martha Rainville, arguing that the GOP no longer deserves to control the House.
"I think what's happening this year is voters are figuratively drawing a line under the top two offices on the ballot," Davis said. "The Senate and House outcomes here in Vermont definitely are going to be affected by a national Democratic wave, if there is one. ... I think a Pat Leahy endorsement of Peter Welch and, more importantly, a Jim Jeffords endorsement of Peter Welch, makes a difference."
Jeffords tried to stay out of the congressional race, too, but was drawn into it when the Republican National Congressional Committee aired ads for Rainville with his photo. It prompted him to write a letter asking that his picture be removed because he backed Welch, a letter that now is featured in Welch advertisements along with Leahy.
