In a small bright spot for Republicans in what was otherwise a debacle of an election night, Republican Governor Phil Scott of Vernmont managed to hold onto the state and survive a very fierce challenge. His Tuesday victory, which allowed him to secure a sixth term, was won against Democrat Amanda Janoo.
For reference, Scott is a moderate but nevertheless a Republican, and holding the governor’s seat will make it at least somewhat more difficult for Democrats to ram through ridiculous policies, such as an amendment or pact replacing the Electoral College as it currently works with a popular vote-style system of the sort Democrats have long wanted.
Janoo, for reference, ran as a Democratic-Progressive candidate. Her campaign was grassroots-oriented, involving a 1500 person volunteer network that she built from the ground up in what was her first bid for office. This was enough to effectively tie her in the polls with Scott, who only eeked out a small victory. Janoo conceded around 11 in the evening.
In her statement conceding defeat, Janoo made sure to work in a swipe at President Trump. She said, “I want to congratulate Governor Scott on his victory. And I do genuinely want to thank him for his service to the state in this moment. I believe that he really wants to ensure that Vermont has a steady hand in the face of a pretty petty president.”
Continuing, Janoo said, “But it is also on us at this moment to make sure that we continue this momentum and this push. And hold him accountable for some of the new plans that he’s outlined as a result of this campaign. Because the vision that we’ve advanced through this campaign doesn’t end here tonight.”
Scott’s narrow margin of victory came largely on the back of his vows regarding reigning in spending at the state level so he could ease the burden on state taxpayers, whose incomes have not been keeping pace with taxation or with spending. He highlighted this approach to governance in his victory speech as well.
He said, “I want Vermonters to know this: My commitment to you has not changed. I will continue supporting, working for and supporting a more affordable Vermont. I will continue working to grow our economy, strengthen our communities, and create more opportunities for our kids. And I will continue insisting the math adds up and we spend taxpayer dollars responsibly. The bottom line is, we need more taxpayers, not more taxes.”
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“And state spending and the tax burden cannot continue to grow faster than Vermonters’ incomes and their ability to pay. And I will continue to make the case that we need to grow our economy and make Vermont more affordable. Now, there will be times when we disagree strongly. That’s part of our system of government,” he added.
“So tonight, I extend an invitation to legislative leaders, Republicans, Democrats, Progressives, and Independents alike. Let’s find ways to make meaningful progress on the challenges we face and that we’re facing for Vermonters. We don’t have to abandon our principles to work together. And we don’t have to agree on everything, especially if we want to accomplish anything in this state,” Scott continued.