Getting through this thread has been interesting. As a Vermonter who is an independent, leaning to the left of the democrats, I have voted for Jeffords. I've also sat in in his office. He generally does what he feels is right, and is a decent listener and good human being. I'm pretty proud of him, and he probably was elected by a lot of democrats, independents and republicans. frankly, Doug, our Governor, a democrat in name, is more conservative than Jeffords. I'm also pretty sure that, if Jim had to run for his seat, He'd win, but what a waste of time and money. No one has given him a serious race in years. I don't see anyone in the Vermont republican party calling for a special election, cause they know they'd lose big time.

I'm proud of my entire delegation. Now 2 out of 3 are independents, like many Vermonters, including me.