The Vermont Republican Party Welcomes Tom Salmon 
By Rob Roper

At a press conference Tuesday, State Auditor Tom Salmon, a life-long Democrat, announced that he is leaving the Vermont Democratic Party and joining the Vermont Republican Party. 

We welcome Auditor Salmon with whole-hearted enthusiasm and commend him for having the courage of his convictions.

Tom Salmon is widely regarded by Vermonters as mainstream and fair leader who puts the people's interests above partisan or special interests.  During this difficult economic time, there is no more important job for our elected officials then to make the hard choices that will put state government spending on a sustainable course. 

Auditor Salmon has demonstrated his commitment to building a responsible, balanced budget that respects the struggles of working families.  During the past three years, he has conducted himself and his office in a principled manner, putting ideological politics and special interests aside in order to pursue realistic, bi-partisan solutions to the challenges confronting Vermont.  With his announcement today, Tom Salmon concluded that these goals and practices are not compatible with today's Democratic Party and its leadership.

Over the past several election cycles, Vermonters have seen the Democratic Party move further left by purging itself of moderate members through frustrated retirements, primary challenges and lack of party support for those who break from party orthodoxy.  The result is a Vermont Democratic Party that has embraced a more ideological agenda well outside the mainstream and a legislative super-majority that is more beholden to narrowly-focused special interests. 

It has become increasingly apparent that there is no room for fiscally responsible leaders like Tom Salmon in today's Vermont Democratic Party, but there will always be room for leaders with Tom Salmon's character and commitment to service in the Vermont Republican party. 

The Vermont Republican Party welcomes diverse view points under a Big Tent, while remaining united by a determination do what's best for the hard working people of Vermont. Tom recognizes that he has a home in the Republican Party working with Governor Douglas, Lt. Governor Dubie and our house, senate, and party leadership to improve the lives of Vermonters.

Rob Roper is the Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party