Independent Senator Visits Independent Bookstore in Vermont

Center front: Elizabeth Daley Jeffords; from left to right: Senator James M. Jeffords, and Northshire Bookstore owners Barbara and Ed Morrow.

A spirit of '76 filled the Northshire Bookstore of Manchester Center, Vermont, on December 16 when Vermont Senator James M. Jeffords signed copies of his book, My Declaration of Independence (S&S Trade). In the book, Jeffords, who broke with the Republican Party in May 2001 and declared himself an Independent, explains the issues that made him unable to reconcile his beliefs with the policies of the Republican Party, which he had supported his whole adult life. Jeffords' switch generated tremendous controversy as it upset the Republican's control of the Senate.

Hundreds of supporters came to meet Jeffords and have books signed. Sarah Costin, Northshire's marketing director, told BTW that the Jeffords' event had a "positively charged, holiday atmosphere as a result of careful planning. A greeter distributed numbers as people arrived, allowing customers to browse instead of standing in line. People in line were relaxed, chatting with friends and strangers about the courageous decision of their senator."