Where does Rainville stand?

Rutland Herald | Letter to the Editor | September 8, 2006

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   Where's Martha? Ever since announcing her candidacy, it has been tantalizingly difficult to nail down Martha Rainville's position on the issues that are important to Vermonters. We looked forward to a series of debates and forums that would flush out her ideas, but unfortunately that has not taken place. She has been invited to participate in many such events, but time after time has declined to do so. She has taken part in only two debates or forums, one in Chittenden County, and one put on by state Senator Doyle, which was attended by a very small audience.

   Mark Shepard's campaign, on the other hand, has gone from one end of the state to the other. He has participated in a wide range of events, including numerous call-in radio programs. Mark has met folks up close and personal, encouraging questions from the voters and clearly outlining his views regarding the very important subjects that a successful candidate will most certainly be facing. He is smart, articulate and accessible and holds true to a strong set of core values. You know where Mark Shepard stands.

   Perhaps the empty chair, bearing only her nametag, at the forum between Mark Shepard and Peter Welch, held at Castleton State College earlier this summer, exemplifies the clearest example of Martha Rainville's "stealth" campaign. She was asked to take part in the event, but declined as she has done on so many other occasions.

   Calling for lower campaign spending and stating that you are for civil discourse are nice thoughts, but tell us absolutely nothing about her views on the issues of the day. I am sorry that Martha has let the opportunity for lively debate slip away. Can it be that Martha Rainville and her handlers assume she can win this primary by simply being invisible?

VIRGINIA DUFFY
Rutland

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"... many politicians talk the talk about doing something tangible about new jobs and it doesn't go much further. Sen. Shepard walked the walk."
"Sen. Shepard's big accomplishment, and it is a significant one, lies in the major role he played in bringing the Bennington Microtech Center into being."

Bennington Banner State Senator Endorsement Editorial, October 29, 2004

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