Vermont's Bernie Sanders Becomes First Socialist Elected to U.S. Senate

by Democracy Now (reposted)

Wed, Nov 8, 2006 7:43AM

In Vermont, Bernie Sanders to become the country's first self-described socialist to be elected to the U.S. Senate. Running as an independent, Sanders won 65% of the vote, easily beating his Republican opponent Rich Tarrant. We speak with Sanders about what it means to the country's first socialist senator.

In Vermont, voters have elected Bernie Sanders to become the country's first self-described socialist to be elected to the U.S. Senate.

Running as an independent, Sanders won 65 percent of the vote, easily beating his Republican opponent Rich Tarrant who is one Vermont's wealthiest residents. Sanders will replace fellow independent Jim Jeffords in the Senate. For the past 16 years, Sanders has served as Vermont's sole member in the House.

On Tuesday, voters in Vermont also elected Democrat Peter Welch to fill Sanders' seat in Congress.

This past week I talked with Bernie Sanders in Vermont. I asked him what it meant to be the first socialist senator.

* Bernie Sanders, elected to U.S. Senate in Vermont on an independent ticket.

LISTEN ONLINE:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/08/1457245

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