“Republican Party is ‘big tent enough’ to embrace rural concerns, Chair Paul Dame says

by Sam Douglass

Shortly after filing for reelection as a Republican over a week ago, Sen. Russ Ingalls outlined plans for a new Vermont-focused political movement. His announcement raises questions about how the effort fits with Vermont’s two major parties and what the Senator’s relationship will be with the Vermont Republican Party.

After Ingalls confirmed on Thursday, June 4 that he planned to start The Vermont Party, recent posts on social media indicate that his intention was an alternative platform of issues and policy positions, rather than a formal party.

[Editor’s note: Previous VDC coverage, including an earlier edition of this new story, has included references to “a new party,” words Ingalls said he has not made in public or in private. He confirmed to VDC today that he is starting a platform, and that he never said he was starting a party. He did not say, when asked, if he plans for The Vermont Party to become a political party. As a result, for clarity’s sake, VDC has edited wording in this news story from ‘a new party’ to ‘The Vermont Party.’]

Ingalls’ comments have drawn discussion and criticism over whether a new political vehicle is necessary or feasible; however, many people are also showing their enthusiasm and support for the idea.

Ingalls announced his plans on June 4 in a post on the Rural Vermont Rising Facebook page. In an interview with the Newport Daily Express, he said there is interest in a political alternative focused on Vermont priorities and said many Vermonters feel unrepresented by either major party. Shortly thereafter, he confirmed to the Vermont Daily Chronicle his plans to start The Vermont Party. As published June 4 by VDC: Ingalls confirmed the news this evening in response to an email from VDC: “Hi Russ Can you confirm that you are starting the Vermont Party?.” He responded, “Yes, I can confirm.” 

“There are a lot of people who don’t feel represented by either party,” Ingalls said to the Express. “We’re looking at creating something people can get behind that focuses on Vermont.” 

Since the announcement last week, a Facebook page titled “The Vermont Party” has been created. While some of its posts clarifies it as nonpartisan rather than an official third party, it continues the themes of Ingalls’ initial post and calls for an alternative that focuses on Vermont issues.

Reactions from Republican voters and party officials have been mixed. While many people are expressing enthusiasm and support, some questioned how a separate platform effort may conflict with existing Republican infrastructure in the state, while others raised concerns about potential confusion or fragmentation if a new political platform or party gains traction.

Steve Thurston of Ferrisburgh, a former Republican candidate for the Vermont House, cautioned against dividing conservative or center-right voters. In a post over the weekend, he warned against splitting the vote at a time when party unity remains a concern for many Republicans.

“The legislature has been totally controlled by a solid Democrat majority since they overrode Gov Jim Douglas’ budget veto in June 2009. In the 2023-24 sessions Democrats had a supermajority, which meant they not only controlled which bills passed and which were ignored, they also could force any bill into law by overriding the governors veto. This is how the GWSA, Clean Heat Standard, 100% Renewable by 2030, the 13.7% Property Tax increase and Act 181 became law.

“The thing that worries me is if Phil Scott decides he has had enough and the Democrats still hold the majority and a Democrat or Progressive becomes Governor there will be no vetoes. The only protection Vermonters have from a continuation of the status quo is to elect enough Republicans to have a Republican Speaker and Senate Pro-Tem and Republican chairs of key committees. That would allow a pro Vermont agenda to unfold and the repeal of bad laws to occur.

“For this to happen Democrats who routinely vote for Phil Scott will have to also vote for Republican representatives and senators.

“There are many long serving Republicans in the legislature who would love to have their ideas considered. Many first term Republicans who were part of the big gains in 2024 have proven to be excellent legislators, like Freshman of the Year Rob North. Give the Republicans two years. Don’t expect miracles. If you don’t like what they do vote them out in 2028.”

In an email, minority leader Sen. Scott Beck (R-Caledonia) disagreed with Ingalls’ assertion but maintains that Ingalls remains a valued member of the Senate Republican caucus.

“I believe that Vermont Republicans are already focused on Vermonters that don’t identify with the majority parties and look forward to further electoral gains in November,” wrote Beck.

In an interview with VDC, VTGOP National Committeeman Joshua Bechhoefer expressed strong support for Rural Vermont Rising and their efforts. However, Bechhoefer argued that efforts should remain within the existing Republican Party, which he described as historically rooted in reform movements. He said a new movement lacking a distinct ideological foundation could fragment resources and volunteers and weaken efforts toward shared policy goals.

In a statement to VDC, Vermont Republican Party Chair Paul Dame stated that if there are any concerns about the party or legitimate policy differences, he wants to hear and address them.

“The Governor, as well as House and Senate Republican leadership and I have worked hard to make sure that the Republican party is a tent big enough to address all of the things that rural Vermont has been ignored on during the previous supermajority session,” said Dame.

Dame stressed that elected Republican lawmakers have been fighting for the repeal of Act 181 and other issues, and explained that his attention will remain on helping Republican candidates get elected this November.

Dame reached out to Ingalls for a clear understanding of his intentions and whether he will decline the Republican nomination for the Essex Senate seat after the primary election this year, but has yet to receive a response. Dame will host Vermont Viewpoint tomorrow morning on WDEV AM 550 from 9-11 AM.

As an organic movement, the Rural Vermont Rising Facebook page found its start in opposition to Act 181 and its strong advocacy for rural Vermonters. It has been credited as the driving force behind the repeal of sections of Act 181 through grassroots activism and civic engagement with lawmakers. Ingalls has been one of the loudest voices and strongest advocates within the group and was involved in organizing a rally held at the statehouse earlier this year.