BENNINGTON — Bennington County Democrats inaugurated their downtown campaign headquarters recently at a “Meet the Candidates” open house which included Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, and a number of local candidates from across Bennington County. In addition, it was announced that the location was officially named after longtime friend, colleague and CAT-TV camera operator Jim Vires, who died on October 15. The space at 353 Main Street in the Putnam Block served as the center for rallying support for state and national Democratic candidates through election day this past Tuesday. The Bennington Democrats also created and posted a banner in their store front headquarters in honoring Vires.

Bennington County Democrats inaugurated their downtown campaign headquarters recently at a “Meet the Candidates” open house, which included Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and a number of local candidates from across Bennington County. In addition, it was announced that the location was officially named after longtime friend, colleague, and CAT-TV camera operator Jim Vires, who died on October 15. The space at 353 Main Street in the Putnam Block is the center for rallying support for state and national Democratic candidates between now and election day on November 5. The Bennington Democrats also created and posted a banner in their storefront headquarters to honor Vires.

The 20th Anniversary AAUW Candidate Forum in Bennington on October 22 provided local voters with an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for State Representative and State Senator. Moderated by Kathy Wagenknecht, the event fostered a civil, informative dialogue on key issues affecting the community. With the November 5 election approaching, AAUW encouraged voters to use this insight to make informed choices at the polls.

He was often the guy behind the camera at board meetings or community or political events, recording everything for CAT-TV.

But Jim Vires, who died Tuesday at 66, was more than that to the many in the Bennington area and beyond who got to know him.

Because of contributions from the Vermont Democratic Party and local supporters, this is the first time the Democrats have had a headquarters location in Bennington County since before the COVID-19 pandemic, said county Democratic Chair Jim Ramsey.

On August 14, the day after the primary election and just ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Bennington County Democrats met to unify behind local candidates as well as a national ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. 

Watch a recording from CAT-TV of Friday night’s Senate Candidate Forum, hosted by Queer Connect.

BENNINGTON – As is often the case, only a handful of nomination contests appear on the Vermont primary ballot.

However, a four-candidate battle for two nominations from the Bennington-2 House district and a multi-faceted contest for two Bennington district Senate seats highlight the August 13 Democratic primary here and have attracted considerable interest.

Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Mr. Greer’s responses:

Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Mr. Edelson’s responses:

Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Mr. Johnson’s responses:

Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Rep. Corcoran’s responses:

Kate Seaton of Shaftsbury today announced her write-in campaign for the Vermont state senate against the current write-in candidate Robert Plunkett. Both are seeking to fill the seat of the late Dick Sears

To make this journey possible, we are calling on our community to come together and support our delegates. Your contributions will help cover travel, accommodation, and other essential expenses. Any amount, big or small, will make a significant difference.

BENNINGTON — A number of local Democrats have expressed interest in running for the state Senate if nominations for both Bennington district seats are not decided in the Aug. 13 primary.

Longtime Bennington County Senator Dick Sears has died at age 81, Vermont Senate leadership announced Sunday morning. A Democrat, he was remembered by colleagues as an indefatigable advocate for at-risk youth with drive and compassion developed through personal and professional experience.