Dear Neighbors,

A few weeks ago my celebration for Obama's victory was tempered when I received news I had lost my re-election campaign to the Vermont House of Representatives. It was a tough year not to be a Democrat.

I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve my community. It was an incredible experience and I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish during my tenure in Montpelier.

Since losing I have been heartened by dozens of encouraging messages from around the district and the state. Even a Republican colleague described herself as "heartsick" at the news. I had developed a lot of good working relationships in Montpelier.

Many have asked what I will do now. Since the VT Legislature meets part-time, I will get back to my full-time job. I work for an organization called National Popular Vote - we are pursuing state-action to change the Electoral College and get a popular vote for President. Every vote should be equal and every vote should be equally meaningful. With luck we'll get there by 2012. Vermonters shouldn't have to travel to NH to get involved in our most important election. And there is no value in having at least 2/3 of the states sit on the sidelines, ignored as we elect a President. (see www.nationalpopularvote.com for more information)

My job takes me to capitols all across the country. In my travels it has become clear our Statehouse is one of the few left where the process resembles the organic bubbling up of ideas democracy should represent. If you have not visited Montpelier for a while, I encourage you to go down when the session is underway. If you do, please tell everyone I say hello. I will miss being in the mix.

Sincerely,

Chris Pearson
Bottom of Brookes

If you registered to vote with a Redstone campus address you vote at Edmonds school on Main Street, the big school on the way down the hill.  View Map

If you registered to vote with a Main or Athletic campus address you vote at Mater Christi, which is on Mansfield Avenue (off Colchester Ave), across from Planned Parenthood.  View Map

If you live off campus try this map.

Renewable energy business leader David Blittersdorf and Todd Bailey from the Vermont League of Conservation Voters came to Burlington today to endorse Reps. Pearson and Zuckerman and recognize the leadership on environmental issues.

"These guys are  much more than a yes vote on critical environmental issues.  They are leaders, constantly seeking ways to improve legislation," said Bailey.

"Without Representative Zuckerman’s good work on the Wind Tax Amendment, Vermont would be further away from achieving substantial electric power from wind then we were 20 years ago," said David Blittersdorf.

"It is always rewarding to have your hard work recognize by a group that advocates for these issues on a daily basis," said Pearson.

The League of Conservation Voters only held a few such press events around the state highlighting the value they place on getting both Progressives re-elected.

In his first run for re-election, Rep. Chris Pearson has been endorsed by all the major groups supporting the issues important to Chittenden 3-4. Sen. Bernie Sanders added his name to the list that also includes ice cream moguls Ben & Jerry.

"I've worked with Dave Zuckerman and Chris Pearson for a number of years on the issues that matter most to working families. They are outstanding Representatives in the Vermont Legislature and I know they will continue to do an excellent job in Montpelier if re-elected," said Sanders.

Both Progressives are proud to be endorsed by:

Politics doesn't always have to be serious. Anthony Pollina join David Zuckerman and Chris Pearson at UVM for a concert on the green. Joining the politicians were hundreds of UVM students who mostly came for the free ice cream and to hear from Pulse Prophet, Sepia Tones and headliner, The Gordon Stone Band.

"We're always looking for ways to reach out to students. They are busy people and we like to try different ways to get them registered to vote," said Pearson, who graduated from UVM in 1995.