Mitt Romney wins Vermont primary in lightly contested race
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has been declared by the Associated Press to have won the Vermont primary, an unsurprising win in a barely contested primary.
Romney had a geographic advantage in Vermont, which neighbors his home state of Massachusetts. Ideologically, the Vermont electorate fits Romney’s moderate image. It is a liberal-leaning state, one of whose US senators is an independent. Democrats and independents can vote in the Republican primary. AP exit polling found Vermont to be the only state voting Tuesday in which a majority of Republican voters were moderate or liberal. Less than half called themselves Tea Party supporters.
As in other states, most Vermont voters called the economy their top priority, according to AP exit polls, and three-quarters said gas prices were an important factor in choosing a candidate.
The Romney campaign made the most aggressive effort in Vermont, according to Vermont Republican Party Executive Director Mike Bertrand. Romney had five full-time staff or volunteers in Vermont, knocking on doors and making phone calls. Former New Hampshire Governor John Sununu met with Romney supporters here. Romney earned endorsements from several dozen Vermont officials. Romney supporters from New Hampshire – where Romney won the primary – campaigned in Vermont.
But none of the candidates visited in recent days, and none mounted a serious challenge to Romney.
Ron Paul moved his New Hampshire state director to Vermont and ran one ad here, highlighting his economic plan. A super PAC supporting former House Speaker Newt Gingrich put a small amount of money into internet advertising.
Vermont has a history of bizarre politics. Fred Tuttle, a Republican dairy farmer ran for US Senate in 1998 almost as a satire, and unexpectedly won the state’s primary, likely with Democratic support. He immediately endorsed the Democratic candidate. This time, Bertrand said, he heard no hint of mischief. He did not know of any efforts by Democrats to sway the Republican results.
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