Vermont

Online Chats

Thetford Academy: We are ready to go when the senator arrives. Joe is now typing.

Senator Leahy: Great. The Senator will be here in just a few minutes.

Senator Leahy: He's currently over at a Judiciary Committee business meeting, where they mark up and vote on legislation that is pending before the Committee

Thetford Academy: Oh I told the kids that He was at hearings on the re-nominated judges

Senator Leahy: I believe that is what they are discussing today, it has certainly been a hot topic.

Senator Leahy: Hi - great to be with you. How is it in Thetford today?

Thetford Academy: Hello Senator, thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to chat with us. We are 11 7th grade students in the room and one teacher. The other 7th graders who are in other classes at the moment also contributed questions. It's cold in Thetford and very windy!

Senator Leahy: Wish I could be with you there but great to do this. Any questions - and we will have a hearing on a divisive judge this afternoon.

Thetford Academy: First question is from Holly Buttrey who asks what do you think of the President's decision to try to nominate the same people that were previously rejected?

Senator Leahy: I think it was a mistake Holly and I have told President Bush that. We have confirmed more of his judges than any recent President but we are not going to confirm those who want to politicize our independent judiciary. I told the President it would be far better if he consulted with us as the Constitution calls for.

Thetford Academy: Next question is from Bluejay Magoon who asks how do you feel about Vermont Yankee closing in a couple of years?

Senator Leahy: Bluejay I am glad the regulators are taking a closer look at the plant. As you know we get a great deal of our electricity from Vermont Yankee but the safety of all in the region ultimately has to be the deciding factor.

Thetford Academy: Next question is from Mckenzie Mann who asks what do you like about your job and would you ever want to do anything else?  

Senator Leahy: McKenzie I think I wanted to be a Senator from the time I was your age and feel very fortunate that my fellow Vermonters let me be here. Some day I will leave and practice law and probably teach but nothing could be as interesting as being a Senator and learning new and important things every day and having a chance to actually try to make life for others better.

Thetford Academy: David Marks asks have you ever met the president and a follow up question from Chris Clemson is what do think of President Bush?

Senator Leahy: David and Chris I have been with the President many times. Two days ago he and I and some others met for nearly 2 hours about his trip to Europe. Yesterday was a nice day because he invited me to be at the White House when he greeted the Red Sox. He and I have disagreed on some things like the war in Iraq but he is likable and we do get along well. I knew his father well and had a closer relationship with him.

Thetford Academy: Gabriella Pacht asks what you would like to see change in the Senate?

Senator Leahy: Gabriella it has become too partisan in the Senate. When I first came here Republicans and Democrats worked together far more - I am quietly working with senior members of both parties to try to get back to those days.

Thetford Academy: Joanie Jurgelewicz knows that you're a Red Sox fan, but how long have you rooted for them and how did you feel about their win last fall?

Senator Leahy: Joanie I guess I have always been a fan since my father brought me to a game at Fenway when I was 7 years old. I've rooted for them every year and felt sorry every year - except for last year. I'm still thrilled by the win and it was good to be with the team at the White House yesterday.

Thetford Academy: Anya Prochorchik wants to know if you have been out of the country and if so, what was your favorite place to visit and why?

Senator Leahy: Anya I do travel a lot. In some ways the most exciting places I have been were the South Pole and Tibet. Much of my travel has been to some very grim places where wars have left hundreds of thousands of landmines. I have promoted the Leahy War Victim's fund which helps those who have lost limbs or eyesight to landmines. Some day we will finally see these terrible weapons banned world wide.

Thetford Academy: Rebecca Norton wants to know if you ever get nervous speaking in public?  

Senator Leahy: Rebecca I often do but than I realize most people are interested in what you have to say and they cut me a lot of slack. It is easiest when I am with people I know but I do love the opportunity to be with people in Vermont - that is where it is easiest.

Thetford Academy: What are your hobbies--a question from Amanda O'Donnell.

Senator Leahy: Amanda I do a lot of photography and have published a lot. I also snowshoe, scuba dive and target shoot. Every where I go I bring a camera.

Thetford Academy: Sara Papirmeister asks What are the benefits of your job as a US Senator? (How much more time can you give us?)

Senator Leahy: Sara I have about 5 minutes more than have to go back to the floor. I think one benefit is that you do deal with real issues and that you do it with such a variety of people. As a Senator I get to have discussions with my neighbors in Vermont, with the President and with foreign leaders and have access to a superb staff who can get me information on anything. I am usually reading overnight emails around 5:30 in the morning and finish all my reading about midnight. If you are going to be a Senator learn to read well!

Thetford Academy: Some of these folks have heard a rumor that you surf--Savannah Howard is one such person who has heard this--do you?

Senator Leahy: Savannah I don't surf and not sure I'd be coordinated enough to. I do paragliding sometimes which is fun especially as you may end up riding thermals at 6-7000 feet. My water sport is diving and I have done it on some of the ancient wrecks in Lake Champlain to the coral reefs of warmer waters.

Thetford Academy: Last question senator is from Jess Gray and several others---Do you like football and the Patriots? The teacher wants to know how you feel about the Steelers (his favorite team).

Senator Leahy: Jess you and the others are really fortunate to have such good teachers and the work they and your families do are reflected in the quality of these questions - and they reflect your own good intelligence. I will have to disagree with your teacher tho - I'm a Patriots fan! He can take solace knowing he's probably smarter than me in a lot of areas.

Senator Leahy: I've really enjoyed being with all of you and if you see me in Thetford please say hello.

Thetford Academy: I don't think the teacher is smarter, but thank you for your time and next time you're in Thetford, stop in and see the most beautiful campus in Vermont!