The Vermont Republican Party and the Felony Rule
The Vermont Republican Party is facing a dilemma. Their rules state that they cannot support a candidate for elective office who is a convicted felon. However, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, was recently convicted on 34 felony counts.
The party's social media accounts have not mentioned Trump since the verdict, but the rules have been in place since at least 2013. In early 2022, the rules were amended to allow the state committee to exempt a candidate from the rule by majority vote.
It is unclear if this rule will affect how Vermont's GOP delegates vote at the Republican National Convention in July. The party rules dictate that delegates are not bound if a candidate withdraws or suspends their campaign.
The Republican National Committee and the Vermont Republican Party chair have not responded to requests for comment. In 2022, the chair stated that he did not believe Trump was the right choice for the party.
The Democratic National Committee has suggested that Vermont Republicans support President Joe Biden in November, as he is the only candidate with a path to 270 electoral votes who has not been convicted of a felony.
6 Comments
Donatello
Supporting Trump goes against the values of the Vermont Republican Party and sets a dangerous precedent.
Raphael
The Vermont GOP is showing pragmatism by considering all options before making a decision on supporting Trump.
Michelangelo
Supporting a convicted felon like Trump would only tarnish the reputation of the Vermont Republican Party.
Leonardo
The Vermont GOP's credibility is at stake if they choose to exempt Trump from their felon rule.
Donatello
It's refreshing to see a political party willing to be flexible and consider individual circumstances in their decision-making process.
BuggaBoom
The party's willingness to potentially exempt Trump shows a commitment to putting the interests of the party above strict rules.