Greens, Progressives Blaze Campaign Trail

Author: Kate Doorley

Breaking away from its traditional issues, the Green Party declared that it supports a reduction in defense spending and opposes the Patriot Act and mass media corporations. While these elements would not seem to be related to the Green Party on the surface, they have become key elements in the Party's new platform as it looks toward the 2004 elections.

The Vermont Green Party (VTGP) represents, according to its Web site, "Vermonters who are concerned about threats to democracy, a clean environment, civil rights and peace in Vermont, the United States and indeed, worldwide." The VTGP, which was officially organized a year and a half ago, is currently undergoing a makeover of sorts, addressing non-environmental issues in an attempt to broaden its appeal among Vermonters.

The VTGP is currently targeting those who label themselves as progressive, devoting a section of its Web site to explaining to Progressives why the Green Party should hold such an attraction for them. "The new VTGP is not out to diminish our uniquely important and successful Vermont Progressive Party," stated the VTGP. "In fact, we are convinced that we can work together on many important issues ... you can be both Progressive and Green. You can work for both agendas, and be fully represented in your local and global concerns."

Appealing to the Progressives in Vermont is a logical step for the Green Party. The four Progressive representatives in the Vermont State Legislature represent the only affiliated group (other than Independent) besides the Democrats and Republicans. Vermont Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives Bernie Sanders is, in fact, the founder of the Progressive Caucus in Vermont.

The basic philosophy of the Progressive Party is a belief in progress in general. According to the party platform, "The purpose of the Progressive Party is to promote economic, social and environmental justice and sustainability through electoral and other democratic political activities." The party positions on many issues, such as an opposition to the war in Iraq, support for economic policies that put people first, strong environmental protection and universal health care for citizens of Vermont, are similar to positions advocated by the Green Party.

Leaders of the Green Party are optimistic about the future of the movement here in Vermont. "Given that we are so young and that there is already a Progressive Party in Vermont, I would say we are doing very well. We have a solid core organization, a good Web site, just held caucuses in about a dozen towns and have good positions on a wide variety of issues," said Executive Director of the VTGP George Plumb.

Like so many of the political parties in Vermont, the VTGP is currently preparing for the 2004 elections. According to Plumb, the Party's prospects appear to be very good. "Nationally I think there will be many more Greens elected to office. I expect that even in Vermont we will have some Greens elected to local office, which is where we need to begin," he said.

The Green Party has striven to address issues beyond the environment. They demonstrate to voters that there is more to the Party than calls for sustainable development and renewable energy sources. They also direct energy towards attracting Progressive voters. The Green Party has asserted itself in the Green Mountain State and is poised to make an entrance onto the Vermont political stage come next November.