The Progressive Party of Vermont is perhaps the United States' most consistently successful current minor party, although it is active in only one state. It originated in the independent campaign of Bernie Sanders for mayor of Burlington. Sanders, who is no longer closely associated with the Progressive Party, was later elected to the United States Congress, where he still serves, as an independent (although he is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and generally accorded the privleges of a member of the Democratic caucus). A group of his supporters organized themselves as the Progressive Alliance to contest further elections. The Alliance succeeded in electing several members, including Terry Bouricious, to the Vermont State Legislature, and, after establishing a stable political base, formally became the Progressive Party. After a gain of two seats in the 2004 elections, it now has six representatives in the state House of Representatives.

According to an article in the Burlington Free Press on February 19, 2005 (the largest circulation newspaper in Vermont), the Vermont Progressive Party is on its way to becoming an officially recognized party. The House Rules Committee has recommended that the rules be made to recognize a third party in the House – in this case, the Progressive Party. The revision's adoption will be recommended to the full House. (Source: Burlington Free Press article "House committee OKs recognition of Progressives", February 19, 2005, page 5B.)

External links

• Official website