Phil Scott on Government Reform

	Phil Scott on Government Reform

The fabric of our democracy is under attack

Some Republicans agree that Trump should resign or be removed from office: "There is no doubt that the President's delusion, fabrication, self-interest, and ego have led us--step by step--to this very low, and very dangerous, moment in American history," Vermont's Gov. Phil Scott wrote on Twitter. "The fabric of our democracy and the principles of our republic are under attack by the President. Enough is enough. President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress." Source: Detroit Metro Times on Jan. 6th & impeaching Trump , Jan 7, 2021

Vote-by-mail bill became law without his signature

Q: Support efforts to make it easier to vote?

Phil Scott: Mixed. Reluctantly let a vote-by-mail bill become law without his signature.

David Zuckerman: Yes. Has urged citizens and the governor to ensure that mail-in voting is available for everyone.

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race , Nov 3, 2020

Keep Electoral College instead of presidential popular vote

Sen. Scott voted NO on the proposed bill:

Vermont legislative summary for S.34:

Agreement among the states to elect the President by national popular vote.
Each member state shall conduct a statewide popular election for President.
The chief election official of each member state shall add such votes together to produce a "national popular vote total" for each presidential slate.
The chief election official of each member state shall designate one presidential slate as the "national popular vote winner."
Each member state shall appoint the elector slate associated with the national popular vote winner.

OnTheIssues explanation: This bill proposes a method to ensure the popular election of the president without requiring a Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Electoral College.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 15-10-4; died in House without a vote.

Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.34 , Feb 27, 2009

Restrict campaign donations and publicly identify donors

Sen. Scott voted YES on overriding the governor's veto of Campaign Finance Limitations:

Vermont legislative findings for S.278:

Large campaign contributions reduce public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk and the appearance that candidates and elected officials will not act in the best interests of all Vermont citizens.

Some candidates and elected officials, particularly when time is limited, may respond and give access to contributors who make large contributions in preference to those who make small or no contributions.

In Vermont, lower contribution limits have not prevented challengers from maintaining robust and competitive campaigns.

Identification of persons who publish political advertisements and electioneering communications assists in enforcing campaign finance limitations.

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Douglas; April 22 override in House 99-51-0; April 25 Senate override 26-4-0.

Source: Vermont legislative voting records for S.278 , Apr 25, 2008

Click here for definitions & background information on Government Reform. Click here for a summary of all issue stances of Phil Scott. Click here for a Wikipedia profile of Phil Scott. Click here for a Ballotpedia profile of Phil Scott. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Phil Scott. Click here for issue positions of other VT politicians. Click here for VT primary archives. Click here for VT secondary archives.
*Other governors on Government Reform:*			*Phil Scott on other issues:*
*VT Gubernatorial:* Brenda Siegel Esther Charlestin Peter Duval Scott Milne *VT Senatorial:* Bernie Sanders Gerald Malloy Peter Welch	*Gubernatorial races 2025:* *New Jersey Governor:* Democratic primary June 10, 2025: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present) Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present) Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017) Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019); elected Nov. 4. Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022) Republican primary June 10, 2025: Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022) Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021 & 2025); lost general election Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew *Virginia Governor:* Democratic primary June 17 cancelled: Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025; elected Nov. 4. Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.) Republican primary June 17 cancelled: Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025; lost general election Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited	*Mayoral races 2025:* *NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:* Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021 (Independent candidate). Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assembly, 2021-2025 (Democratic nominee); elected Nov. 4. Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4: Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Sliwa, Republican nominee; CEO of the Guardian Angels *Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)* Non-partisan general election Nov. 4; runoff Dec. 2: Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education Steven Fulop, outgoing Mayor (2013-2025) Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997) Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004) James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017) Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023) *Oakland CA Mayor* Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025: Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025) Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Local Issues Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty [Title9]