Vermont Local Endorses Republican for Governor

Jeffrey Wimette, business manager of Montpelier, Vt., Local 300, didn’t know how his members would respond when the local’s executive board voted to endorse Lt. Governor Brian Dubie against five Democrats running in the state’s gubernatorial primary.  It was the first time the local had endorsed a Republican.  Says Wimette:

I received more congratulatory e-mails than ever before.

Representing 1,000 utility members and 200 construction electricians, Local 300 had waged a protracted campaign to support the re-licensing of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant which employs hundreds of local members.  All of the Democratic candidates had opposed the plant’s continued operation.  But Dubie supported the local union’s position.

Montpelier Local 300 Business Manager Jeffrey Wimette, left, announces
his support for Republican Lt. Gov.Brian Dubie for governor.

It wasn’t the first time that Dubie, an Air National Guard veteran, an American Airlines pilot, and member of the Allied  Pilots Association had gone to bat for union jobs.  Dubie, who has a mechanical engineering degree, gave  voice to IBEW members’ concerns amidst the sale of  Verizon’s copper land lines to Fairpoint .

At a press conference announcing the local’s support for Dubie,  who is also supported by the Professional Firefighters of Vermont, Wimette said:

Why are we supporting Brian Dubie?  One word—integrity.  He has shown loyalty, respect, honor and selfless service.  We respect his military service and his understanding of the special needs and concerns of military members and their families. 

Supporting veterans is a critical necessity in the state with the highest per capita death toll from the Iraq War.  No less important is identifying with workers.  Says  Wimettte:

If you are someone who gets up every day and goes to work, who puts in an honest day’s labor in return for a fair paycheck, Brian Dubie is the only candidate in this race who understands your concerns.

Thanking Local 300 members for their support, Dubie says:

I have tremendous respect for the important and difficult work these dedicated professionals do.  Vermonters depend on them in so many ways, from keeping the lights on to keeping us connected.  As a fellow union member, I am excited to have their support…