On November 2, 2022

Senate candidate Peter Welch visits Rutland

By Curt Peterson

U. S. Senate candidate Peter Welch, who lives in Norwich, received a warm welcome from 20 Rutlanders who gathered to greet him at Phoenix Books Saturday afternoon.

The appearance was part of his “Welch Wagon Tour,” visiting all 14 Vermont counties. He had appeared with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Congressional candidate Becca Balint in Hartland a week earlier.

As he often does, the popular solo Vermont congressman, who is seeking to fill retired Patrick Leahy’s senate seat, started his short monologue with a few “threatened democracy” remarks, citing the Jan. 6 failed coup attempt in Washington D.C. as illustration. “

I saw the security guard being shot and killed,” he said. “I vividly remember another guard standing over me, holding a gun, protecting me as the iconic doors were being breached by rioters. We need to get the violence out of politics, or we will never be able to move forward.”

Welch also mentioned 300 Republican candidates who campaign on election fraud claims, and the huge amounts of “dark money” that now fund negative and misinformation campaigns that he feels disrupt the workings of democracy.

“Three Republican candidates passed the hat the other day, and raised $100 million in campaign donations,” he said.

Welch complimented Leahy’s contributions over decades of service in the senate, which the audience applauded.

Asked about the status of President Biden’s college tuition loan forgiveness program, Welch said, “That’s in court right now.”

He feels mismanagement of the loan program over the years has encouraged unreasonable increases in tuition, and congratulated the University of Vermont for refusing to raise tuition for the fifth year in a row. He also advocates for free tuition in exchange for public service, such as working as a police officer, nurse, teacher or first responder.

In his final remarks Welch pointed out climate change and healthcare costs as the very important issues that the Senate and House must work together to address. Later, Welch appeared at Rutland Pharmacy and took part in the Rutland Halloween Parade.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

KMS’ Padilha trains for Brazilian team

November 27, 2024
By Katy Savage Alice Padilha, 17, is a senior at Killington Mountain School. She’s originally from Brazil and competes in Slalom and Giant Slalom in hopes of competing full time on the Brazilian National Team.  Q&A with Alice Padilha What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington? Alice Padilha:…

Mendon’s Victoria Johnson seeks medals in mogul comps

November 27, 2024
By Katy Savage  Victoria Johnson, 15, lives in Mendon. The sophomore at Killington Mountain School (KMS) competes in Moguls and Dual Moguls. Q&A with Victoria Johnson Mountain Times: What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington? Victoria Johnson: It shows that our mountain has the ability to take me…

Rhi Lubaszewski sets sites on World Cup

November 27, 2024
By Katy Savage Rhiannon “Rhi” Lubaszewski, 19, lives in Rutland and graduated from Killington Mountain School last year. She competes in Slalom, Super-G and Giant Slalom and hopes to make it into a Division 1 college and eventually compete on the World Cup circuit. Q&A with Rhiannon Lubaszewski What does it mean to you to…

Eva Young reflects on KMS racing

November 27, 2024
By Katy Savage Eva Young is an 18-year-old Killington Mountain School student who’s graduating this year. She’s competed in a number of Nor-Am cups and national junior races in the Slalom and Giant Slalom.  Q&A with Eva Young What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington? Eva Young: Having…