September 1990

 

Russell Looks Ahead to Election

Howard "Howdy" Russell reports that
his campaign for the Vermont State Senate
is gearing up for the final push before the
September 11th primary. ‘'1 have a very
positive feeling," says the Hinesburg
Democrat. "We've gotten a great reception
and a lot of exposure and positive cover-
age."

Russell's campaign picked up even
more momentum recently with endorse-
ments from incumbent State Senator
Stephen Blodgett (who is not rtmning for
re-election) and Burlington Mayor Peter
Clavelle.

The primary's outcome, however, will
depend on voter turnout, cautions Russell.
"We can't let ourselves get overconfident,
but if we can get all of our supporters out to
vote, we should do very well."

Although a voter can vote for up to six
candidates in the Democratic primary, it is
important, says campaign manager Terje
Anderson, "to vote only for those people
you really want to see elected, anywhere
from one to six candidates." Anderson

notes that voters can concentrate their sup-
port by only voting for their favorites. "A
lot of people think you must vote for six, but
that only dilutes your vote. I tell people that
they should vote for as many people as they
feel good about voting for, be that one,
three or six. There are good candidates in
this race, and I just hope one of everyone's
votes is for Howdy."

In true grassroots fashion, Russell
spent his summer meeting voters. For two
months, small groups have gathered nearly
every night and weekend in supporters‘
homes to listen to Howdy's views on agri-
culture, tax policy, and human services,
with nearly 50 gatherings before the pri-
mary. Russell has also campaigned exten-
sively at public gatherings, shopping cen-
ters and door to door.

"This has been a grassroots campaign
in the best sense of the word," says Russell.
"Last spring, I couldn't have imagined that
we would mobilize the kind of effort we
have." Over 300 volunteers across Chitten-
den County are involved in the campaign,

and over $10,000 has been raised in contri-
butions. Russell has received more press
coverage than any other candidate.

Russell's campaign has also drawn
support from outside of the state. Promi-
nent author Rita Mae Brown will be speak-
ing in Burlington on Monday evening,
September 24, in order to draw attention to
the significance of Russell's bid for the
Senate.

Positive feedback for Russell's cam-
paign has come from all sides, according to
Anderson, who says he makes a point of
soliciting opinions from outside Howdy's
base of supporters. "The impression among
political people is that we're running a very
professional and serious campaign." Now,
says Anderson, Howdy's supporters must
turn out on September 11th to make that
impression an accurate one.

"We've proven that an openly gay
candidate can be taken seriously," says
Anderson. "Now we are going to prove one
can win."

‘Tlie {Passion of £Pear£s...

Septernfier 7 ‘Women's Dance antffluffit
$5.00 5-9 pm.

Septemfier 9 {Manic C[u£ Nigfit
$3.00 6-10 p.rn.

Septemfier 15' Ladies Lourge Dance (ofzf tunes)
$ 1.00 7 pm.

   

Burlington, ‘Vermont

 
  
   
   
  
 

135 .‘Pear[ Street

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