''Every seat in the theater in LA filled up so Bernie went outside to talk to the people ... ''

[karynnj]

469. Even an incumbent is not seen as an "official candidate" of the Democratic party

The primary is to PICK the official Democratic nominee. The DSC, which would provide funds for Senate candidates, usually does not back anyone in a contested primary. They certainly would not award money for anyone to use in this primary where they (and all VT politicos) see Bernie as as a close to a sure thing as there is. You very likely remember that he got over 85% of the 2016 Presidential vote. Part of that was that a favorite son affect, but it also reflected that he is very respected here - even by the people who know him the best and know his flaws. How much money would you recommend that the DSC waste on any announced opponent to Bernie Sanders?

The process to get on the ballot and to set up a campaign is known. Because YOU, who are not a resident of Vermont, want Bernie out, you ignore that there is NO Democrat in the state who could beat Bernie Sanders. If Bernie had announced that he was NOT running, there would have been a set of serious candidates who would have run to get the position - just like in other states. The people who are running are not even of the caliber of the other primary challengers against powerful, well regarded Senators -- like Jonathan Tasini against Clinton in 2006.

PS In Vermont, being on the general election ballot as "independent" -- means that you are not representing a party. Therefore, it makes no sense to speak of "primary as an independent".


Have you even spent a day in the state of Vermont?