Vermont Democratic US Rep. Welch facing primary opponent

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — One of Vermont’s most popular elected officials, Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, is facing a single primary opponent Tuesday.

Welch, 73, who has served in Congress since 2007, is being challenged for the Democratic Party nomination by activist Ralph “Carajou” Corbo, 63, of Wallingford. Corbo is also seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

During his years in the House, Welch has consistently been one of Vermont's top statewide vote-getters.

In 2018, Welch was Vermont’s top statewide vote-getter, receiving just under 68% of the vote. In 2016, he won just under 90% of the vote.

Welch, Vermont's at-large member of Congress, said he has more energy for the job than he’s ever had as the country faces the “extraordinary challenges” of the coronavirus pandemic and what Welch described as President Donald Trump’s threat to democracy and issues of racial justice.

Four Republicans — Miriam Berry, of Essex; Jimmy Rodriguez, of Montpelier; Justin Tuthill, of Pomfret; and Anya Tynio, of Charleston — are seeking the GOP nomination for the seat. Chris Brimmer, of Ryegate, and Cris Erickson, of Chester, are running as Progressives.

Corbo, 63, said he’s running for Congress and also for governor after trying to get younger people to run for office, but during the pandemic, he wasn’t getting their commitment so he decided to run himself.

A record number of more than 150,000 Vermont voters requested early or absentee ballots ahead of Tuesday’s balloting under a special system set up to encourage safe voting during the coronavirus pandemic, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos said on Monday.

To be counted in the primary, all ballots must arrive at voters’ town or city clerk’s before 7 p.m. Tuesday, when the polls close. Vermonters can also cast ballots traditionally.