There is one big race we’re watching in Vermont today, and that’s the race in its at-large district. As Geoffrey wrote in his preview, Rep. Peter Welch has chosen to run for the Senate, following the retirement of longtime Sen. Patrick Leahy, which has left his seat wide open. Two high-profile Democratic contenders are now duking it out tonight: state Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray.
Some early polls showed a close race, but recent polls have found Balint with a big lead, ranging from 32 to 42 percentage points. Balint, notably, is also viewed as the more progressive choice in this race. She has the endorsement of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — and she’s focused on the importance of fighting efforts to roll back rights, such as voting rights, reproductive rights and same-sex marriage.
Regardless of who wins, though, Vermont appears at long last set to send its first woman to Congress — the 50th and final state to do so.
