Sen Leahy: Hi, I’m happy to be with my Middlesex neighbors!
Sen Leahy: Please excuse any typing mistakes. I like to think I am a better senator than typist!

Rumney School: Hello, thank you for chatting with us!
Sen Leahy: Do you have any questions? As many of you know, I do live in Middlesex in a home that we've had for 50 years.  I am delighted to chat with you.

Rumney School: Why did you decide to run for the senate? - Stacy
Sen Leahy: I was born in Montpelier and grew up watching government. I knew that the one place where Vermont would be equal to much larger states would be the Senate and I always wanted the opportunity to represent our state here.

Rumney School: What are the responsibilities of your job? Do you like being a senator? - Liz G.
Sen Leahy: The biggest responsibility is to make sure that Vermont is represented well. As there are only 100 of us representing a country of 300 million, I have to think of the rest of the country too.
Sen Leahy: I like being a Senator because I get to do everything from agriculture policy, to high tech laws, to dealing with the war in Iraq. And I get to come home to Middlesex often on weekends and be with my family and friends.
Sen Leahy: Liz G., have you thought that you might like to be a Senator? You have to be 30 first of course!

Rumney School: I do want to do something political, possibly be a senator! -Liz G.
Sen Leahy: Liz I’m proud of you - spend a lot of time watching folks in the legislature, study hard and keep current on the news. Maybe we'll have a second Senator from Middlesex!

Rumney School: If you could have any other job, what would it be and why? -Mya and Tara
Sen Leahy: Mya and Tara, I have already had the only job that I ever really wanted.  I was a prosecutor for 8 years in Vermont and enjoyed that experience because I could make a difference in people's lives and could use what skills I had in the court room

Rumney School:  What is your view on global warming? - Corey
Sen Leahy: Corey, global warming is very real, although it is hard to believe that when it has been so cold in Middlesex lately. It is changing our weather patterns and countries - especially the industrialized ones – we have to do much more to combat it.
Sen Leahy: I wish your class could come here someday and see what we do. Often my day starts at the computer around 5AM and goes until midnight, but it is fascinating all the way.
Sen Leahy: Last night, the Senate was in late and sometimes we do go until midnight, but not too often I am happy to say.

Rumney School: If you were president, what would you be doing? Would you continue to do what President Bush is doing in Iraq or would you do something different? - Claire
Sen Leahy: Claire, I think the policy in Iraq is wrong and was handled mistakenly from the start. We should bring our men and women home to safety and renew our hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11 and going there has made us less safe.
Sen Leahy: I am going to have to go back to the Senate floor, but I have time for one last question if you'd like. I look forward to being in Middlesex tomorrow and I will be holding an agriculture hearing in Montpelier on Monday

Rumney School: What is your favorite part about Vermont?-Codi
Sen Leahy: Codi, I have lived in Vermont all my life. I love the friends and family that I have there, the changes of the seasons, and that we Vermonters have such a sense of what is best for our state and America.

Rumney School: Thank you for your time, we really appreciate it. Thank you for all the work you do for Vermont and our country! - Ms. Farber's class
Sen Leahy: And now I will go back to work, but I have enjoyed being with all of you. You are in a great school and Ms. Farber and all of your teachers are excellent. Say hi to your families for me please.

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