A controversial political party announced candidates Friday for the 2010 elections. The Vermont Independence Day Party announced nine candidates, including for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
The party's main platform is seceding from the United States.
"I say the gods of the American empire are not the gods of Vermont," said Dennis Steele, the party's gubernatorial candidate.
Peter Garritano will be running for Lieutenant Governor, and the party announced seven members running for state Senate: Robert Wagner, Addison County; Richard Jeroloman, Chittenden County; William Cruikshank, Rutland County; Dennis Morriseau, Rutland County; Craig Hill, Bennington County; Peter Moss, Franklin County; Gaelan Brown, Washington County.
The Independence Day Party platforms include pulling the Vermont National Guard out of all wars, shutting down Vermont Yankee, giving more power to local schools. More controversial platforms include stopping financial aid to Israel and reverting away from capitalism, but above all else, seceding from the United States.
"Secession is our only option against the overreaching powers of a corrupt government," said Steele.
Steele bashed current elected leaders including Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, and Representative Peter Welch.
"In fact I'm not just fed up, I'm disgusted with how they have allowed themselves to be manipulated by corporate America, Goldman Sachs, and the Israeli lobby."
Members of the Independence Day Party described America as a "racist empire," though Steele says the group is not un-American.
"Don't let anyone tell you are unpatriotic, un-American, anti-American, or a radical. I put forth to you that we are the true patriots, we are the true Americans," said Steele.
When Steele was asked about his stances on the budget, healthcare, abortion, gun laws, and gay rights, he replied, "That's up to the people, I'm not here to change those policies at all."
As for how an independent Vermont would be governed, nobody had details.
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