Dem Racine ponders US Senate run against Sanders in VT

[Rose Siding]

MONTPELIER — Former Lt. Gov. Doug Racine said Wednesday he is considering whether to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Sen. James Jeffords, I-Vt., in 2006.

"For most of us in politics the idea of a Senate seat is intriguing," said Racine, who was a Democratic state senator and candidate for governor. "I can't rule it out."

Racine added that it is still very early and he has not made up his mind what office he will seek in 2006, if he runs at all. Entering the race for the U.S. House is also a possibility, he said, but he has not begun working on a campaign for any seat, Racine said.

Democrats and Rep. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., who is also seeking the Senate seat, have stressed the damage that liberal candidates could do to their causes by running against each other in the House and Senate races and splitting the vote.

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050609/NEWS/506090368/1002

[paineinthearse]

1. Will bernie run as an independent or dem?

If as a dem and there are any other candidates, I will be spending some time in the Green Mountain state,.

[rox63]

2. Bernie is to the left of much of the Dem Party

So I suspect he will run as an Independent. Dean has all but endorsed Bernie, having worked with him for years in VT when Dean was Gov. I hope Racine reconsiders running against Bernie.

[Hippo_Tron]

3. I think that the Dems need a placeholder because of VT laws

Well they don't literally need one, but I heard that what could happen is that a Republican could run for and win the Democratic nomination and you would have a Republican as the Dem nominee on the ballot for US Senate. It would be embarassing to the dem party and confusing as hell.

[Rowdyboy]

4. If Racine really wants to end his career with a HUMILIATING defeat

then he's right on track. Hopefully, he'll come to his senses because he has no chance to be anything other than a spoiler here.