My name is Kendall Lambert and in March, I announced that I was seeking the Republican nomination to represent the Orleans 2 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.
It was a mistake.
I originally sought the Republican nomination because I consider myself a conservative. I believe in small government, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, local control and I promise to fight tooth and nail for the individual liberties and freedoms guaranteed to us in the founding documents of our country – including our right to bear arms.
But here’s the truth: I also support gay marriage, sound immigration policy with a clear pathway to citizenship, racial equality, our common environment, and our teachers, first responders, police, and military personnel. Unfortunately, this cannot be reconciled with the Republican Party as it is today and I want nothing to do with it.
While the Republicans talk out one side of their mouths about constitutional rights and equal opportunity for all, it’s becoming increasingly clear that what they mean (as their national policies and rhetoric seek to codify racism, sexism, discrimination, and inequality) is that these principals actually apply only to a few. Foolishly, I thought Vermont was removed from this fundamentally un-American discourse. Turns out I was wrong.
I was embarrassed and saddened to read that Republican representatives of Orleans County – Gary Viens of Newport, Mark Higley of Lowell, Lynn Bachelor of Derby Line, and Brian Smith of Derby – voted against a resolution that condemned the Trump administration’s policy of forcefully separating children from their parents who crossed the border seeking asylum.
The malaise of our national leadership is spreading into Vermont in a way that I cannot fathom and it’s clearly beginning to define the Orleans Republican representatives. They failed to stand up for even the most basic rights of the most vulnerable. I refuse to be associated with a party that has embraced such callous and cold hearted positions. I believe in a Vermont and Northeast Kingdom that is better than that.
But don’t get me wrong, I also don’t believe I fit with the Democratic or Progressive Party either. The fact is, the party system is broken and I will no longer play its game.
I will be running as an independent even if it may cost me the election. This is the move I need to take to be faithful to my beliefs.
To the residents of the Orleans 2 and the Northeast Kingdom – know that if I am elected, I will not be beholden to any Party but rather to the principles of dignity, prosperity, and justice for everyone. Know that I will work with willing members of any party to achieve these goals. I will be your Representative in order to serve you and to uphold the constitution.
It’s time to vote in someone better and take the lead in our state. We need real change and real representation. Together we can move past partisan politics and create the community that we all want to live in.
This fella is already “flip flopping” and he hasn’t even been elected yet…. Sounds like a perfect fit!
Finding common ground is not “flip-flopping”. On that note, this area is Republican, we should not be shocked if they support this President. Moths gather around a flame at first by attraction, after that, while they linger……..they are blinded.
As you are defining an entire portion of the population by one issue and conclude that anyone that doesn’t agree with you is a racist,sexist that believes in inequality and discrimination,I seriously doubt you could honestly represent anyone.
How can you say you will uphold the constitution when when you condemn enforcing the laws that were constitutionally created?
How could you possibly serve me, after you’ve already written me off as a racist because I don’t agree with you?
We obviously aren’t going to move beyond partisan politics when you have already painted republicans as evil,callous,and cold hearted.
We need someone in the State legislature that is focused on the needs of the second district of Orleans. Someone that is more concerned about improving the quality of life of their constituents than issues that can only change on a national level. We have 2 senators and a representative in the house whose job it is to deal with those issues. I’m not saying these issues aren’t important and don’t require change, just that it’s not the duty of the State legislature.
Your idea of a Vermont Republican is on the same line as a New Hampshire Democract! Make up your mind what you want be and be it. Standing in the middle will get you no where.
How refreshing to find someone who places values and country above political parties.
Be Progressive means just that, being Independent means just that. I want someone with the ability to think outside myopic thought patterns.
He’s right about one thing. The party system is broken! To be a successful party politician (don’t forget that’s what they are) you only have to do what the boss tells you to do.