Campaign Reflections and the Road Ahead
Now that the election is concluded, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the people I’ve met in this campaign who’ve provided me with so much help and encouragement over the last ten months. It’s been a long road that we’ve traveled, but having the chance to meet so many good-hearted, intelligent Vermonters gives me great hope for the future of our state. This election has demonstrated that, even in the face of the lesser-evil fears of a close gubernatorial contest, almost two thousand Vermonters had the moral courage to stand up to the corrupt system and use their vote to say “No More!”
Today represents a beginning, not an end. When I agreed to take on the difficult and exhausting task of running for Governor as an independent this year, I did so with the hopes that my actions would serve to help lay the foundations for a robust, grass-roots movement that will carry the message of a Free Vermont forward. Towards that end, I’ve been collaborating with several supporters to found a democratic, state-wide organization. Dedicated to spreading the ideas of Vermont Independence, providing support for Independence-minded candidates for public office, and organizing volunteer activities that both serve our neighbors and help lessen our communities’ dependence on the Federal Government, it will serve as our movement’s new center and engine of growth. It will be organized by county, and I encourage anyone who supported my campaign to get involved in their county committee. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (http://www.Facebook.com/FreeVermont) in the next month for updates about this vitally important project!
Additionally, it is my sincere hope that many of the people who’ve come forward in support of my campaign over the last year will seriously consider donning the mantle themselves and run for office in the next election. Only time will tell what new leaders are destined to emerge in our movement over the next two years, but, with hard work and dedication, I believe 2012 could mark the beginning of the presence of Independence-minded legislators in the State House. In this election, we demonstrated our presence in Vermont’s politics; both Pete Garritano and I finished third in our races, ahead of all the other independent and third party candidates. Our next step is to build upon the foundations of this success and take our movement to the next level!
To conclude, thanks again to all of the supporters around Vermont whose time, energy, and generosity made my campaign possible. Keep in touch, involved, and imagining Free Vermont!
With Much Gratitude,
Dennis Steele
November 3, 2010
Campaign photo by