Brian Dubie: Invisible Man, Invisible Plan

Brian Dubie has finally released his so-called "economic plan" after taking the summer off - he is truly the "invisible man" of Vermont politics (what other politician can you think of who would unveil the centerpiece of their campaign and then give the press 12 minutes to ask questions before bolting without providing any details - maybe in keeping with his latest "marathon" gimmick he could spend 26.2 minutes answering questions next time he calls a press conference). Meanwhile, the Democrats criss-crossed the state, met with voters to hear their concerns, honed their platforms and generally campaigned on ending the Bush-Douglas-Dubie recession through responsible balanced budgeting, comprehensive health care reform, and policies that encourage both employers and workers. Peter Shumlin won the primary fair and square and now the general election race is on.

The contrast between what Peter Shumlin and the Democrats offer and what Dubie is offering could not be more stark. Shumlin and the Democrats will help Vermont weather the Republican Recession by targeting help to Vermont businesses, maintaining essential services, avoiding lay-offs and stabilizing our workforce, while minimizing the harm to the most vulnerable in the budget. Dubie's plan appears to be a series of slogans and nothing in the way of specifics with respect to what programs and services he will cut after his $250 million tax cut giveaway to the richest Vermonters. He is truly the "invisible man" with an "invisible plan."

The good news for Peter Shumlin and the Democrats is that this election will be won or lost on the economy. And, they are going to make Dubie own the disastrous economy that he and Jim Douglas' policies have foisted on Vermonters over the last 8 years. Dubie's platitudes and unwillingness to disclose specifics on how he would balance the budget show he is not ready for prime-time, and that he has no real solution for what ails our economy. His "proposal" will usher in an era of permanent budget crisis that Vermonters cannot afford. In sum, the Dubie plan is simply "deficits as far as the eye can see."

Yesterday, the New York Times panned tax cuts as good for politics, but bad for the economy. The article simply confirms what we already know: the empty promises of "trickle-down" economics promised by Brian Dubie do nothing to help the economy. In fact, the economists commenting in the article point out that the recession is a function of weak demand, not supply. So, supply-side economics will do little to nothing to stimulate the economy because even if suppliers use the money for investment (a big "if" since as we know, many of the wealthiest who do not need the money will simply pocket, or save it), the problem is that nobody is buying. There is no demand. Their conclusion? Put the money into direct stimulus programs that are proven effective: unemployment benefits, temporary assistance for needy families, food stamps, job training, etc. That money goes directly into the economy, and creates demand for other goods and services. Read the article here.

So much for Brian Dubie's "economic plan."

Vermonters must ask themselves: did Jim really = Jobs? If so, where are they? Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago? The vast majority of Vermonters are not. Brian Dubie is offering more of the same. We cannot afford the unfulfilled promises of the GOP and Brian Dubie. The Republican prescription for what ails our economy leads to increasing poverty (ironically, the article notes that the increase will take place on "Obama's watch"... of course, it is only as a result of the Bush era economic policies - had President Obama and the Democrats not intervened with the stimulus package, extended unemployment benefits and more, the incidence of poverty in the U.S. right now would be even greater) and more people in homeless shelters. It's time to give the Democrats a shot to turn our economy around ensuring Vermont is poised to take advantage of the recovery when it comes.