Election Thrills Vt. Congressional Delegation

Rachael Morrow - WCAX News
November 5, 2008

Burlington, Vermont - Vermont's congressional delegation is calling president-elect Barack Obama's win "extraordinary."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vermont, spoke Wednesday about the challenges the nation's newest president will inherit, including the country's current financial crisis and it's involvement in the wars overseas.

The delegates also expressed pride that Vermont was the first state to go up on the board for Obama and noted the historical significance of being the first state to vote in favor of an African-American candidate for President. The outcome had special meaning for one Senator.

"For Marcell and myself-- it's a very personal one. We have five grandchildren; three of them are white, and two of them are black. The world will be different for them," Leahy said.

Leahy said he has already invited Barack Obama to visit Vermont.