Political Briefs

Author: Julie Shumway

Speculation Surrounds Second Circuit Court Decision

The Associated Press reported that the same Second Circuit Court which reversed U.S. District Court Judge William Sessions' ruling on Vermont's campaign finance reform law has now put a hold on its decision, with the intent to further examine the campaign finance issue. Sessions' decision, which favored limits on private contributions but declared party contribution caps to be unconstitutional, is now open for consideration a second time. Proponents of the law say that this is a chance to reverse the earlier decision, while opponents say the Second Circuit Court is simply preparing to refine its earlier decision.

Middlebury Alum Douglas Accused of Ethics Violations

Vermont's teachers retirement fund board members are claiming that gubernatorial candidate and current State Treasurer Jim Douglas sought donations from the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) in an unethical manner. The accusation claims that fund management businesses which hoped to work with the state were encouraged by Douglas to buy membership in NAST between 2000 and 2001. Douglas has responded to the allegations, pointing out that fund management businesses are hired after a bidding process, thus ensuring that no favoritism could be shown. He also accused Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine's gubernatorial campaign of bringing such accusations forward, questioning their relative closeness to the election.