Our choices

Whether voters take into account the endorsement of candidates for public office by media outlets is an open question, and one editors of the Reformer have discussed almost every day since before the primary elections.

It seems these days endorsements are nothing more than an opportunity for candidates to issue another in a never-ending chain of press releases.

And at this point in the election cycle, we believe most voters have already made up their minds on who they plan to choose on Nov. 2.

We would hope that the candidate profiles and campaign reporting provided by the Reformer’s political writer, Chris Garofolo, have helped to educate voters in preparation for their decision.

Even if the Reformer had made endorsements immediately following the primaries, we still believe people would have made their own decisions on who they think is the best candidate for each of the public offices.

Nonetheless, after much debate in the editorial offices, we have decided it’s important for the Reformer to continue to offer endorsements. After all, we’re speaking with these candidates -- often -- and have a good grasp on where each stands on the issues.

Today, the Reformer will endorse candidates for the state’s Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. We will also endorse candidates for state treasurer, secretary of state, auditor and attorney general.

On Friday, the Reformer will make its endorsements for governor and lieutenant governor.

But locally, we would prefer area residents make an informed decision about who they want representing them in Montpelier. Therefore, we will not be making endorsements on the local level.

For U.S. Senator, Democrat Patrick Leahy should be returned to Washington, D.C., to continue his excellent advocacy on behalf of Vermont and its residents.

Come Nov. 3, the Senate majority may switch over to Republican, so it’s essential that Vermont’s long-term senator remain in the Senate with all the privileges his tenure has acquired.

As a U.S. Representative, Democrat Peter Welch has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to get things done, especially considering he is from one of the smallest states population-wise in the country.

He has proved he can work across the aisle as well as push forward with issues that lack bipartisan support.

Vermont should be proud of the job he has been doing for the state and it should send him back to keep up the good work.

For state treasurer, the Reformer recommends that voters re-elect Jeb Spaulding, who is running as both a Democrat and Republican.

He has been treasurer for eight years and his diligence and the good will he has engendered from both Democrats and Republicans is symbolic of the work he has been doing in Montpelier since he took the office.

For secretary of state, the Reformer endorses Republican Jason Gibbs, whose experience in Montpelier working in a number of positions for Gov. James Douglas and the relationships he built during that time should serve him well in a position that by all accounts should be nonpartisan.

For auditor of accounts, Republican Thomas Salmon is the best person for the job.

Although his switch from the Democrat to Republican party midway through his first term as auditor left a sour taste in many people’s mouths, including the editors of the Reformer, his experience as a CPA and his ability to track down fraud and waste should be the major criteria by which a voter judges his ability to perform his duties.

It is also of note that Salmon, who was arrested for driving under the influence one year ago, admitted to his mistake and accepted full responsibility for his actions.

For attorney general, Bill Sorrell has proven he can rise above the fray and conduct investigations regardless of who they involve and hold people accountable for crimes, half-truths and outright lies. We have faith he will continue to exercise the integrity he has demonstrated since 1997.

Those are the people the Reformer believes would best represent the values and defend the interests of Vermonters in both Montpelier and Washington, D.C. As you see, decisions are not being made by party lines, rather we are choosing people who display the best talents for the position. In addition, with the amount of new blood in Montpelier when the dust settles, there’s something to be said for those with institutional knowledge.

In the end, the most important question you should ask is: Who’s the right candidate for my views? Ask that, and then make your choice.