2006 United States Senate election in Vermont

none March 2026 November 2017 2006 United States Senate election in Vermont Vermont presidential no 2000 United States Senate election in Vermont 2000 2012 United States Senate election in Vermont 2012 2006 11 07 150x150px File:Bernie Sanders (cropped).jpg Bernie Sanders Independent politician 171,638 65.41% File:Tarrant1972.png Richard Tarrant Republican Party (United States) 84,924 32.36% x220px County results x220px Municipality results Sanders: #D9D9D9 40–50% #BDBDBD 50–60% #969696 60–70% #737373 70–80% #414042ff 80–90% Tarrant: #E27F7F 50–60%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords Independent politician Bernie Sanders Independent politician Democratic The 2006 United States Senate election in Vermont was held November 7, 2006. Incumbent independent Senator Jim Jeffords decided to retire rather than seek reelection to a fourth term, and Bernie Sanders was elected to succeed him. Sanders, who represented Vermont's at-large House district as an independent, won the Democratic primary, and then dropped out to run as an independent. Many Democratic politicians across the country endorsed him, and no Democrat was on the ballot. The state committee of the Vermont Democratic Party voted unanimously to endorse Sanders.Democratic primary is far from ordinary https://web.archive.org/web/20160405004341/http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060911%2FNEWS%2F609110332%2F0%2FBUSINESS April 5, 2016 (September 11, 2006). Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus. Sanders won the seat with 65% of the vote. His win marked the first Republican loss in an election for this Class 1 seat since 1850, decisively ending the longest single-party Senate winning streak in history.The partisan history of every U.S. Senate seat, in 1 awesome chart. The Washington Post. (Vermont's Class 3 seat had been held by Democrat Patrick Leahy since 1974, the first time a Republican had lost any Senate election in the state since 1850.) Democratic primary After Jeffords retired, there was brief speculation that DNC chair Howard Dean, a former governor and 2004 presidential candidate, would run for Senate. After Dean quickly issued a statement that he would not run, independent Representative Bernie Sanders became the subject of media attention, and ultimately entered and won the race.Scott Julia 2005-04-21 Dean stays in his chair https://www.salon.com/2005/04/20/dean_49/ 2022-12-18 Salon en Candidates Declared Larry Drown, retired plumber and perennial candidateM.D. Drysdale, Primary Election Is Next Tuesday https://web.archive.org/web/20160716010811/http://www.ourherald.com/news/2006-09-07/Front_page/f02.html July 16, 2016 (September 7, 2009). Herald. Peter D. Moss, retired chemical engineerhttps://archive.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/07/13/party_shuns_vermont_democrats_in_race/ Party shuns Vermont Democrats in race: Seeks to clear way for independent in US Senate bid Rick Klein Boston Globe July 13, 2006 Louis W. Thabault, former postal worker Bernie Sanders, U.S. Representative and Liberty Union nominee for U.S. Senate in 1972 Declined Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont, chair of the Democratic National Committeehttps://www.salon.com/2005/04/20/dean_49/ Dean stays in his chair Salon Scott Julia April 25, 2005 March 2, 2021 Doug Racine, former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont Results Sanders won the Democratic primary, but declined the nomination, leaving no Democratic nominee on the ballot. This victory ensured that no Democrat would appear on the general election ballot to split the vote with Sanders, an ally of the Democrats who had been supported by leaders in the Democratic Party.Thursday, April 21, 2005, Bernard Sanders, 63, announces run for Vermont's U.S. Senate seat after Incumbent Independent Jim Jeffords announces his retirement. Democratic primary resultshttps://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/75488/ 2006 U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Vermont Secretary of State 2006 May 20, 2021 Bernie Sanders Democratic Party (United States) 35,954 94.15 Louis W. Thabault Democratic Party (United States) 585 1.53 Craig Hill Democratic Party (United States) 504 1.32 Larry Drown Democratic Party (United States) 403 1.05 Peter Moss Democratic Party (United States) 384 1.00 Write-ins Democratic Party (United States) 355 0.93 38,186 100.0 Republican primary National Republicans pressured Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie to enter the race, and he formed an exploratory committee to do so, but the committee raised little money and Dubie opted not to run.Freyne Peter October 19, 2005 Tarrant's Political Debut https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/tarrants-political-debut/Content?oid=2131812 December 29, 2021 Seven Days VT Governor Jim Douglas also declined to run. Businessman Richard Tarrant announced his campaign in October 2005. Tarrant largely self-funded his campaign, and frequently denounced political partisanship.Gram David May 3, 2006 Tarrant vows to end 'partisan hatred' https://www.timesargus.com/news/tarrant-vows-to-end-partisan-hatred/article_4831ca7c-19b5-5e65-8432-a1b3a0303e70.html December 29, 2021 The Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus Associated Press Candidates Cris Ericson, perennial candidate and marijuana legalization activistSeptember 5, 2006 Republicans face ideological choice in primary 1 The Burlington Free Press https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57654038/the-burlington-free-press/ live https://archive.today/20200819224249/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57654038/the-burlington-free-press/ August 19, 2020 Newspapers.com August 19, 2020 Greg Parke, retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and nominee for VT-AL in 2004 Richard Tarrant, businessman Declined Jim Douglas, governor of Vermonthttps://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/politics/jeffords-to-leave-the-senate-setting-off-vermont-scramble.html Jeffords to Leave the Senate, Setting Off Vermont Scramble The New York Times Stolberg Sheryl Gay April 21, 2005 May 21, 2021https://archive.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2005/05/02/vermont_governor_wont_run_for_senate/ Vermont governor won't run for Senate The Boston Globe Associated Press May 2, 2005 December 29, 2021 Brian Dubie, lieutenant governor of Vermont Endorsements Greg Parke Organizations Swift Vets and POWs for Truthhttps://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20060210/MODERNPHYSICIAN/602100307/idx-co-founder-using-noodle-on-campaign IDX co-founder using noodle on campaign Modern Healthcare Robeznieks Andis February 10, 2006 December 29, 2021 Richard Tarrant State officials Jim Douglas, Governor of Vermont Walter E. Freed, former Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Individuals Tom Brennan, basketball coach Results Republican primaryhttps://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/75515 2006 U.S. Senate Republican Primary Vermont Secretary of State 2006 May 20, 2021 Richard Tarrant Republican Party (United States) 22,008 61.84 Greg Parke Republican Party (United States) 10,479 29.44 Cris Ericson Republican Party (United States) 1,722 4.84 Write-ins Republican Party (United States) 1,382 3.88 35,591 100.00 General election Candidates Peter Diamondstone (Liberty Union), socialist activist and perennial candidate Cris Ericson (Independent) Craig Hill (Green), electronics marketer Peter Moss (Independent) Bernie Sanders (Independent), U.S. Representative from VT-AL Richard Tarrant (Republican), businessman Campaign In mid-August 2006, the campaign heated up considerably, with Tarrant fully engaged in heavy media advertising, most of which criticized Sanders's public stances. Tarrant ran several ads accusing Sanders of representing himself differently from his voting record in the House of Representatives, citing such examples as Sanders's votes against Amber alert and against increased penalties for child pornography. Sanders responded with an ad stating that Tarrant's claims were "dishonest" and "distort my record", and presented what he viewed as more accurate explanations of his voting record.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o40KE6gNNpk https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/o40KE6gNNpk 2021-12-21 live How Bernie Sanders Responds to Negative, Mudslinging Attack Ads: Check the Facts! July 7, 2015 Youtube January 1, 2020 Tarrant also claimed that Sanders's election would lead to an exodus of businesses from Vermont.https://www.timesargus.com/news/sanders-whips-tarrant-for-u-s-senate-seat/article_f56dda06-f6d6-5a2c-a1f9-5bb6353760cf.html Sanders whips Tarrant for U.S. Senate seat Times Argus Allen Darren M. November 8, 2006 July 15, 2021 Sanders based his campaign on a well-tested message of fixing economic inequality, and ran a positive campaign that took advantage of his high name recognition in the state.https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/bernie-vs-richie-rich-the-2006-race-that-prepared-sanders-for-bloomberg/Content?oid=29735748 Bernie vs. "Richie Rich": The 2006 Race That Prepared Sanders for Bloomberg Heintz Paul Seven Days VT February 24, 2020 July 15, 2021 Endorsements Bernie Sanders (I) Federal officials Barack Obama, U.S. Senator from Illinoishttps://journaltimes.com/bernie-sanders-and-barack-obama-2006/image_40223726-86c5-5a1d-9ea8-e1b4751d17ef.html Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama, 2006 Journal Times Talbot Toby November 30, 2016 July 15, 2021 Harry Reid, U.S. Senator from Nevadahttps://books.google.com/books?id=qv8kEAAAQBAJ&dq=Endorses+Bernie+Sanders+2006&pg=PA90 90 Bernie Sanders's Democratic Socialism: Holding Utopia Accountable Gachon Nicolas Springer Nature 2021 9783030696610 Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator from New York State officials Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont; Chair of the Democratic National Committeehttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92087994/dean-endorses-sanders/ Howard Dean endorses Bernie Sanders' run for U.S. Senate Bennington Banner Lehmann Evan May 10, 2005 January 8, 2022 Individuals Jon Fishman, drummer Mike Gordon, bass guitaristhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92605464/phishy/ Part of Phish to play at law-maker's fundraiser St. Cloud Times May 1, 2006 January 15, 2022 Willie Nelson, musician and activist Grace Potter, singer Kesha Ram, studenthttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/91562846/the-burlington-free-press/ America Needs a new direction The Burlington Free Press April 30, 2006 December 1, 2021 Jeffrey P. Weaver, political stafferhttps://www.timesargus.com/news/senate-hopeful-plans-to-spend-500-000-of-his-own-money/article_2bcff3ee-93df-5853-bc46-b29d276059c6.html Senate hopeful plans to spend $500,000 of his own money The Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus Porter Louis July 12, 2005 Vermont Press Bureau December 29, 2021 Organizations Democracy for Americahttp://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=4495159&nav=4QcS DFA Backs Sanders and Welch February 13, 2006 February 3, 2007 WCAX https://web.archive.org/web/20070927031046/http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=4495159&nav=4QcS September 27, 2007 dead MoveOnhttp://www.vermontguardian.com/local/0105/DouglasAnnouncement.shtml Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas won't run for Jeffords' Senate seat Vermont Guardian Totten Shay April 30, 2005 October 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20050501025656/http://www.vermontguardian.com/local/0105/DouglasAnnouncement.shtml May 1, 2005 dead Newspapers and publications Addison County Independenthttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92088241/newspapers/ Newspapers endorse Bernie Sanders The Burlington Free Press November 2, 2006 January 8, 2021 Brattleboro Reformer Esquirehttps://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a208/esq1106endorsements-192/ Esquire Endorses America Esquire November 1, 2006 July 15, 2021 Stowe Reporter The Chronicle Vermont Womanhttps://www.vermontwoman.com/articles/2006/1006/endorsements.html Vermont Woman's Candidate Endorsements Vermont Woman October 2006 July 15, 2021 Richard Tarrant (R) Federal officials John McCain, U.S. Senator from Arizonahttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92339067/mccain-tarrant/ McCain to support Tarrant candidacy The Burlington Free Press Associated Press August 12, 2006 January 11, 2022 State officials Jim Douglas, Governor of Vermont Walter E. Freed, former Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Individuals Tom Brennan, basketball coach Fund-raising The election was the most expensive political campaign in Vermont history.Wilson Ring, Sanders, Welch win in Vermont races (November 8, 2006). Associated Press. Tarrant was a self-funded candidate, with 98% of all his campaign expenditures coming from personal sources. He spent $7,315,854 total.http://opensecrets.org/races/summary.asp?cycle=2006&id=VTS1 Congressional Races - 2006 Vermont Senate OpenSecrets Opensecrets.org February 3, 2007 February 2, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070219145726/http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.asp?id=VTS1&cycle=2006 February 19, 2007 dead Sanders' top contributors include the plaintiffs' law firm Baron & Budd; the International Union of Operating Engineers; the Laborers' International Union of North America; and the Communication Workers of America. Sanders raised $5,554,466 total.http://opensecrets.org/races/contrib.asp?ID=VTS1&cycle=2006&special=N Vermont Senate: 2006 Race Profile - Top Contributors OpenSecrets Opensecrets.org December 11, 2006 February 3, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20061214015329/http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.asp?ID=VTS1&cycle=2006&special=N December 14, 2006 dead In total, Tarrant and Sanders spent $13,771,060. Tarrant spent $85 per vote, the largest cost per vote of any race in the country during 2006, while Sanders spent $34 per vote.http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16908877 https://web.archive.org/web/20171012145948/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16908877/ dead October 12, 2017 What's the value of a vote NBC News January 31, 2007 Ottenhoff Patrick Debates 2006 United States Senate election in Vermont Debate No. Number Date Host Moderator Link Participantsblack #90ff90  P  Participant  black #ff9090  A  Absent  black #A2B2C2  N  Non-invitee  black #CCFFCC  I  Invitee  black #f0e68c  W  Withdrawn Richard Tarrant Bernie Sanders 1 October 23, 2006 C-SPAN Thom HallockC-SPANC-SPAN P P Predictions SourceRankingAs ofThe Cook Political Report2006 Senate Race Ratings for November 6, 2006 https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080605093937/https://cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_sen_ratings_nov6.pdf 2008-06-05 September 30, 2021 The Cook Political Report096 Likely INovember 6, 2006Sabato's Crystal BallNovember 6, 2006 Election Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2006110601/ June 25, 2021 Sabato's Crystal Ball096 Solid INovember 6, 2006Rothenberg Political Report2006 Senate Ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2006-senate-ratings6 June 25, 2021 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report096 Solid INovember 6, 2006RealClearPoliticsElection 2006 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/election_2006-21.html June 25, 2021 Real Clear Politics096 Solid INovember 6, 2006 Polling Source Date BernieSanders (I) RichardTarrant (R)Research 2000Research 2000 November 1, 2005 64% 16%RasmussenRasmussen January 5, 2006 70% 25%Doyle PollDoyle Poll March 7, 2006 62% 26%Research 2000Research 2000 May 11, 2006 61% 24%RasmussenRasmussen June 16, 2006 67% 29%American Research GroupAmerican Research Group July 27, 2006 56% 35%RasmussenRasmussen August 3, 2006 62% 34%American Research Group September 15, 2006 55% 40%Research 2000Research 2000 September 18–19, 2006 58% 33%RasmussenRasmussen September 24, 2006 64% 32%Research 2000Research 2000 https://web.archive.org/web/20061114204803/http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS/610260344/1003/NEWS02 November 14, 2006 October 23–24, 2006 57% 36% Results Official results from the Vermont United States Senate.https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=6963 Our Campaigns - VT US Senate Race - Nov 07, 2006 ourcampaigns.com 2008 August 25, 2015 Sanders won a majority of the votes in every county in the state, with 57% as his lowest county total, flipping every county, and all but 2 townships. right 250px Shift by county"swing" The Vermont Democratic party nominated Independent Bernie Sanders in 2006. This map compares the 2000 margin between the Republican and the Democrat, and the 2006 margin between the Republican and Sanders. 250px Trend relative to the state by county Legend #d40000 Republican — >80% #ff0000 Republican — +70-80% #ff2a2a Republican — +55-70% #ff5555 Republican — +40-55% #ff8080 Republican — +25-40% #ffaaaa Republican — +10-25% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0−10% #EEEEEE Independent — +0-10% #CCCCCC Independent — +10-25% #AAAAAA Independent — +25-40% #808080 Independent — +40-55% #777777 Independent — +55-70% #555555 Independent — +70-80% #333333 Independent — +>80% 250px County flips Legend Independent #696969 Flip 2006 United States Senate election in Vermont Independent politician Bernie Sanders 171,638 65.41% N/ARepublican Party (United States) Richard Tarrant 84,924 32.36% -33.20%Independent politician Cris Ericson 1,735 0.66% N/AGreen Party (United States) Craig Hill 1,536 0.59% N/AIndependent politician Peter D. Moss 1,518 0.58% N/ALiberty Union Party Peter Diamondstone 801 0.31% -0.21% 267 0.10% N/A 262,419 100.00% N/A Independent politician By county CountyBernie SandersIndependentRichard TarrantRepublicanVarious candidatesOther parties#%#%#%Addison11,25768.91%4,83429.59%2441.5%Bennington8,86561.57%4,84433.64%6894.79%Caledonia7,41460.95%4,47236.76%2792.29%Chittenden42,86164.64%22,60334.09%8421.27%Essex1,48058.66%92536.66%1184.68%Franklin10,83061.8%6,40636.56%2881.64%Grand Isle2,17459.32%1,42338.83%681.85%Lamoille7,18368.62%3,10629.67%1791.51%Orange8,42667.9%3,66729.55%3172.55%Orleans6,45662.18%3,69035.54%2372.28%Rutland15,62961.21%9,28236.35%6222.44%Washington18,76068.93%7,93429.15%5221.92%Windham13,24571.27%4,61324.82%7263.91%Windsor17,05868.48%7,12528.6%7262.92% Totals171,63865.41%84,92432.36%5,8572.23% Counties that flipped from Republican to Independent All 14 See also 2006 United States Senate elections References Notes External links Vermont Secretary of State's Draft list of candidates (Excel spreadsheet). (Final version due to be released on July 24, 2006). 2006 Vermont Senate Debate on C-SPAN Official campaign websites (Archived) Bernie Sanders Richard Tarrant 2006 Category:2006 Vermont elections Vermont Category:Bernie Sanders