Mapping a Successful Strategy for Vermont Conservatism 
By N. P. West

The success of Vermont conservatism depends on its ability to replicate the model of the national conservative movement.  This model follows three phases: an intellectual development phase, an institutional development phase, and an electoral development phase.  Each is designed to be a step in the process for conservative victory in Vermont.  Without this model the conservative movement could very well continue to flounder. 

First, an intellectual development phase needs to begin.  This has already started with the founding of the Lyceum Society of Vermont, a forum for the intellectual Right here in Vermont.  Through the Lyceum Society conservatives and libertarians in the State can congregate for symposia and quarterly dinners to discuss first principles and the meaning of what Edmund Burke referred to as "ordered liberty."  The Lyceum Society can provide the intellectual backbone of the re-energized conservative movement in Vermont, its very own Philadelphia Society or Mont Pelerin Society. 

In addition to the Lyceum Society of Vermont conservative and libertarian academics and thinkers need to begin a "Library of Vermont Conservative Thought" which would include biographies of individuals like Nathaniel Chipman, Isaac Tichenor, Orestes Brownson, Erastus Fairbanks, Redfield Proctor, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Frost, Calvin Coolidge, Donald Davidson, Eric Voegelin, Vrest Orton, Cleanth Brooks, Milton Friedman, Norman Rockwell, Admiral George Dewey, Carl Ruggles, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.  From there an anthology of the best essays of these men could be compiled as a sort of Vermont Conservative Reader.  Other volumes could include a history of Vermont's centralized and bureaucratized government (a sort of Vermont Road to Serfdom), a history of Vermont's cultural decline (which would include an in-depth look at how the counterculture and the New Left "marched through the institutions" of Vermont), and a alternative history of the civil unions debate to counteract David Moats' book. 

Other options for further intellectual development include the establishment of a print or online intellectual quarterly (i.e. Vermont's Modern Age) featuring essays, reviews, and commentary by leading members of the Vermont intellectual Right.  Also during this phase all branches of conservatism should seek to unite, from classical liberals and libertarians to traditionalists and paleoconservatives to neoconservatives and the New Christian Right.  Members of the Vermont Secession movement should not be turned away either as many of their views on decentralized government, "third way" economics, and communitarian philosophy are welcome in conservative circles even if actual secession is not. 

Second, an institutional development phase needs to be implemented.  Some of this already has occurred through the founding of organizations like the Ethan Allen Institute, Vermonters for Better Education, Vermonters for Tax Reform, Vermont Right to Life, FreedomWorks Vermont, and Vermont Renewal.  These organizations, from Take It to the People to Citizens for Property Rights need to unite under an umbrella coalition-call it the Vermont Policy Network --which would serve as a loose confederation of organizations and associations dedicated to meaningful public policy changes in Vermont. 

At the same time this happens right-of-center media publications such as the Caledonian-Record, the Addison Eagle, and Livin' the Vermont Way should be joined by a statewide publication, possibly affiliated with the national newspaper, which has the mission of providing news, information, and opinion from conservative perspective.  And if conservative bankrollers are really ambitious the purchase of a radio station or Vermont's ABC or Fox television affiliate would be advantageous.  In addition the conservative blogging community should also work together and in many ways TrueNorthRadio.com, the Dwinell Political Report, and She's Still Right are already doing this.  Also, a Vermont Conservative Union should be formed, like the American Conservative Union, which would sponsor a CPAC-like event. 

Finally, once the first two stages have commenced, an electoral development phase can be started.  To begin with conservatives should recognize that electoral success might not be immediate.  The next Ruth Dwyer is not on the horizon so conservatives should stop holding out.  They should also call a moratorium on running for U.S. Senate or Congress the next few election cycles.  Sen. Sanders is next to impossible to defeat and saving time, energy, and resources would help in other races.  Just because a Ripon Society Republican is running for a top-tier seat does not mean a conservative needs to jump into the race, even on principle.  Local and county races are far more important.  Conservatives should run for select board, school board, and for the state house and state senate instead. 

They should also find candidates who don't need to proselytize on issues like gay marriage and abortion.  Let it be known you are pro-life and pro-family, don't apologize, stand firm, and move on.  Lt. Gov. Dubie is the best model here.  Conservatives also need to be open to voting Libertarian or for conservative Democrats and not just Republicans.  If a Libertarian could defeat a Democrat in a district over a Republican then having someone who votes with you 75% of the time is better than 0%.  Conservatives should look at the Libertarian Party as being the alternative just as liberals view the Progressive Party as the alternative to the Democrats.  Conservatives also would find an advantage in taking campaign classes from the Leadership Institute and when in office forming a Conservative Caucus. 

If conservative Vermonters take these steps they will be on the road to success.  A unified conservative movement with the intellectual rigor, the institutional development, and the right electoral strategy would be a potent force and quite possibly a force that could make a difference in Vermont.  Now is the time because the other side isn't waiting. 
 

N. P. West is the founding moderator of the Lyceum Society of Vermont.  His blog can be read online at vttraditionalist.wordpress.com.  He resides in Rutland County.