In the 2017/2018 session, Vermont had the largest number of independents serving in a state legislature in the U.S. The Vermont House, while overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats, often operates in a less partisan manner then the party affiliation numbers might suggest. Vermont’s independents worked with a number of centrist minded Democrats and Republicans on enacting common ground legislation.
Laura first ran for office in 2014 as an independent committed to solving problems by focusing on elevating issues of local and Vermont importance rather then serving a national partisan agenda. Her commitment to fundraising was, and remains, not to take PAC or lobbyist contributions.
From time to time Vermont independents are asked to comment nationally on the benefits and challenges that independent legislators face in campaigning and serving. Below are posted links to some of significant public policy debates and articles on Vermont’s independents.
2020
Vermont independents looking for consensus building Speaker of the House
2019
Vermont’s elected independents push for non partisan representation on apportionment board
2018
In Defense of the Most Politically Diverse Legislative Body in the Country
November 6th could be independent’s day
Independents uneasy about taking cash, even from indie group
Primary Source: Dartmouth Lecturer Wants to Elect Independents to break gridlock
Unite America Endorses 19 Independent Candidates for State Legislature Across the Country
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 