[sugarmaple]

I am hoping that the moderator does not move this thread into the general Politics category as it is specifically Vermont related.

Anyone attend any of the debates? Opinions? Expectation of good turnout for primary?
Etc.

[arctichomesteader]

My thoughts? I don't like any of the candidates. They're all statist authoritarians. I think Sorrell needs to go in any case.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

My thoughts? I don't like any of the candidates. They're all statist authoritarians. I think Sorrell needs to go in any case.

I'd back Roger Pion

[sugarmaple]

Why Roger Pion? I really don't know much about him at all.

Between Sorrell and Donovan in primary, I will back Sorrell. I do realize that just about everything is about "politics"; however, in my opinion, for whatever it is worth [smile], there is a difference between politics and being a 'politician' -- I think Donovan is far more of a politician than being political - I think Sorrell is more seasoned especially w/his understanding of victims of crime and more supportive of victims of crime - which, to me, is very important.

[arctichomesteader]

I'd love to see Sorrell in jail for wasting the taxpayers' money on his personal pet issues.

He's not too supportive of victims of crime when the crimes are committed by cops. He rubber stamps about every abuse of power I've seen in this state by cops.

[sugarmaple]

WOW and yikes!

I think he is very much a supporter of victims of crime - I am a victim of crime and I have found him / his associates to be supportive, and appropriately/actively involved on behalf of victims from human trafficking to domestic violence and sexual assault to ID theft and elder abuse.

Certainly I have not always agreed w/decisions re: allegations of police misconduct but will also acknowledge that I do not have all of the facts with those cases.

I have also watched / listened to cases in Chittenden County re; a few cases, in my opinion, were not handled as well as they should and counld have been, especially those concerning domestic violence and sexual assault.

Perhaps TJ can become a bit more seasoned w/those cases and decisions and then entertain, down the road, running for AG; however, not now, in my opinion.

[ladelfina]

Originally Posted by sugarmaple

Why Roger Pion? I really don't know much about him at all.

Heh. Roger Pion is the guy who crushed the police cars with his tractor, I believe…

[sugarmaple]

That's right! I knew that name!!! but automatically just associated/connected with that previous comment - re: an AG candidate. However, referring to Mr. Pion, and going off track for just one moment, it is my understanding that donations keep pouring in for him.

I wonder now what the candidates' opinions, respectively, might be regarding this incident.

Regardless, I think Sorrell would handle it well.

[arctichomesteader]

If an AG won't uphold people's civil rights and won't do his duty regarding police abuse of the people, he has no business being AG. I'm familiar enough with a couple such cases to consider Sorrell a scumbag.

[sugarmaple]

I think we can agree to disagree [smile]. I do think the fact that he has been AG for 15 years +/- does give credence to his qualifications and accomplishments and his dedication to the community. Just as there are disagreements with presidential candidates and representatives, there will be disagreements and different perspectives for these two candidates.

I am familiar with a few cases that Donovan had which I think were not optimal decisions, especially in the DV/sexual assault arenas.

Perhaps down the road he can entertain running again; I think he is more political and perhaps is viewing this potential position as a platform for bigger and better political positions. And, being AG is more about the system, protecting victims, population than political and I think Sorrell has those qualifications and has proved his long-standing commitment to and for the well-being and safety of the community.

Sure, as with all people in significant positions, some decisions may not be or have been optimal, certainly not unanimously, but looking at the whole picture of his accomplishments and his team's accomplishments [I think he really respects and acknowledges his team of assistant attorney generals] I think he should remain in office.