The 1992 United States House of Representatives election in Vermont was held on Tuesday, November 3, 1992, to elect the U.S. representative from the state's at-large congressional district. The election coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and an election to the U.S. Senate.
Incumbent Independent Bernie Sanders would win re-election to a second term in Congress, defeating Republican Tim Philbin and Democrat Lewis Young.
Republican primary Candidates Tim Philbin, insurance agent Ralph Sinclair, snack company owner (withdrew, endorsed Philbin) Jeff Wennberg, mayor of Rutland
Campaign A total of three candidates made the ballot in the Republican primary, insurance agent Tim Philbin, Rutland mayor Jeff Wennberg, and businessman Ralph Sinclair. Wennberg was considered a moderate Republican, backing abortion rights and tax increases on the rich, while Philbin and Sinclair were conservative Republicans who were opposed to abortion and any tax increases. Originally, Wennberg was considered the frontrunner in the primary, but in early September 1992 Sinclair, who had fallen into a distinct third place in the race, withdrew his candidacy and backed Philbin, which was viewed as potentially giving the latter the edge.
Endorsements
Results
Democratic primary Candidates Declared Lewis E. Young, chef and candidate for Vermont secretary of state in 1988
Declined David Wolk, state senator
Results
Liberty Union primary
General election Candidates John Dewey (Natural Law), former director of Flight Training at the Florida Institute of Technology Peter Diamondstone (Liberty Union), perennial candidate and socialist activist Douglas M. Miller (Freedom for LaRouche) Tim Philbin (Republican), insurance agent Bernie Sanders (Independent), incumbent U.S. representative Lewis E. Young (Democratic), chef and candidate for Vermont secretary of state in 1988
Campaign As the campaign began, Sanders and Philbin immediately began to attack each other in the press, with their sniping deemed by the Brattleboro Reformer as a "fax war". Sanders attacked Philbin for opposing abortions, even in cases of rape and incest, and championed his own record supporting abortion rights. Philbin responded by accusing Sanders of misrepresenting his position, and accused the incumbent of supporting "fat budgets and high taxes".
Debates 1992 Vermont at-large congressional district general election debates Date & time Host Moderator Link ParticipantsKey: Participant Absent Non-invitee Peter Diamondstone Timothy Philbin Bernie Sanders Lewis E. Young 1
Endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error TimPhilbin BernieSanders LewisE. Young Other UndecidedPolitical/Media ResearchPolitical/Media ResearchSeptember 15, 1992610 (LV)± 4.0%22%43%9%The Burlington Free PressThe Burlington Free Press± 5.0%23%49%5%1%22%
Results
Notes
References