Thomas James Hermann for Congress

Photographer: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

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But when Peter Welch got to Washington, he showed himself to be a party loyalist, stepping into line as the Democratic Congress funded the escalation of the Iraq occupation, allowed wiretapping of Americans without a warrant, acquiesced to torture, and shrugged at signing statements that circumvented the law.

While Peter Welch was making promises he did not keep, Thomas James Hermann had enlisted in the army to defend our nation and Constitution. Hermann served in the infantry, putting his life on the line in 150 combat missions during his first year in Iraq. Then he was stop-lossed and served another 4 months in combat.

Hermann witnessed first-hand the tragic consequences of Presidential malfeasance and enabling Congressional dithering. He knew that he would have to do more when he got home. He now believes that the corruption and political game playing of the the Democrats and Republicans in Washington require a candidate for Congress who answers to the Constitution and his/her Vermont constituents instead of the congressional leadership that keeps funding this war.

Thomas James Hermann will be calling for bringing all the troops, mercenaries, and US corporations home from Iraq now. He calls for taking good care of our soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen when they get home. He calls for holding Peter Welch accountable for voting funding for the war and for opposing impeachment of Bush and Cheney.

Hermann believes that ending the war and its enormous drain on resources is crucial for improving the economy, the environment, health care, education, and respect for United States.

Hermann, 29, lives in Barre and works on a farm nearby. July 21, 2008, he submitted petitions with the signatures of 837 Vermonters from 113 Vermont towns and villages to be on the Vermont Progressive Party primary ballot for U.S. Congress