State politicians make required campaign stop 6 miles from Canadian border

Saturday's Dairy Days parade on Main Street in Enosburg Falls: Politicker PhotoENOSBURG FALLS - While boasting a population of a little under 3,000 people most of days of the year, this town just six miles south of the Canadian border can attract more than 15,000 visitors during its annual Dairy Days festival. And amid the parade, cow-milking contest, food and carnival rides, the festival plays host to current and aspiring lawmakers taking part in an opening round of politicking.

Though he was unable to attend this year's event, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie told PolitickerVT.com last week: "It's the opening salvo to the political season."

Whether holding signs, banners or wearing t-shirts, stickers and buttons, candidates and volunteers made their way down Main Street in the 90-degree heat. Despite the high temperatures spectators lined the parade route, cheering for their candidate of choice and perhaps offering some indication for what's in store down the campaign trail.

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas: Politicker Photo"The crowd was great today, they love Jim Douglas," said Neale Lunderville, the Republican governor's incoming secretary of administration and former campaign manager. "This is Douglas country."

"It was a little quiet out there, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing," said Meg Brook, campaign manager for Progressive Party gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina.

Donning a National Rifle Association baseball cap, East Highgate native Kermit Drown, 49, has yet to miss a Dairy Days parade.

"Whether it's an election year or not, the politicians always show up," said Drown. "It's very important to meet the candidates."

In Drown's case, the personal touch of one candidate could make all the difference. "I know Jim Douglas personally, but after talking with Anthony Pollina today, I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for," he said, adding that he was "very impressed" with Pollina.

Alf Svendson, assistant chairman of the Enosburg Falls Democratic Committee: Politicker Photo"Enosburg is a special place," says Alf Svendson, assistant chairman of the Enosburg Falls Democratic Committee. He has attended Dairy Days for the past 10 years.

"Meeting a candidate here is less about public speeches, they're as close as your handshake," Svendson told PolitickerVT.com, moving his right hand up-and-down.

Across the board, candidates and campaign staff alike know that Vermonters put a heavy value on being able to meet their elected officials.

"We're a small state, so there's a large emphasis put on relationships," says Jill Krowinski, campaign manager for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington, the former state House speaker. "Vermonters expect to meet their candidates," she adds.

State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding: Politicker PhotoSymington wasn't in town for this year's parade because she was in Brattleboro attending another summer staple, the Strolling of the Heifers Festival.

Among the notable politicos who attended Saturday's parade included Douglas, Pollina, state Treasurer Jeb Spaulding, Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, state Sens. Bobby Starr (D-Troy) and Sara Kittel (D-Fairfield), state Reps. Michel Consejo (D-Highgate Center) and Avis Gervais (D-Enosburg Falls), who doubled as the parade's honorary grand marshal.

Supporters of presidential candidate Barack Obama make their way down Main Street: Politicker Photo

Members of the Franklin County Republican Party on the parade route: Politicker Photo