1789 Vermont Republic gubernatorial election
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September 1, 1789
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| Elections in Vermont |
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The Vermont Republic gubernatorial election of 1789 took place on September 1, 1789.[1] Though incumbent Governor Thomas Chittenden won a plurality of the popular vote over his main competitor, Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Moses Robinson, the Vermont Constitution required that the legislature choose if no candidate won a majority.[2]
The Vermont General Assembly met in Westminster on October 8 to count the votes of the freemen for governor of the Republic of Vermont, lieutenant governor, treasurer, and members of the governor's council.[2] Joseph Marsh was easily re-elected as lieutenant governor, and Samuel Mattocks was chosen for another term as treasurer.[2]
For the first time since the founding of the Vermont Republic in 1778, Chittenden found himself in political difficulty.[3] Shortly before the election, he had granted Ira Allen title to the town of Woodbridge (now Highgate) but had neglected to first obtain the approval of the governor's council.[3] Chittenden was accused of malfeasance for supposedly favoring a clique led by the Allen family with respect to land grants.[3]
As a result of the controversy, On October 9, the legislature chose Robinson, the first time Chittenden had not been elected governor.[2][3] Robinson served a one-year term, but the controversy over the Woodbridge land grant abated, and Chittenden was returned to office in 1790.[3]
Results
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Thomas Chittenden (incumbent) | 1,263 | 43.34% | |
| Nonpartisan | Moses Robinson | 746 | 25.60% | |
| Nonpartisan | Samuel Safford | 478 | 16.40% | |
| Write-in | 427 | 14.65% | ||
| Total votes | 2,914 | 100% | ||
References
[edit]- â Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776â1860: The Official Results by State and County. Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company. p. 265.
- 1 2 3 4 Walton, E. P., ed. (1875). Records of the Governor and Council of the State of Vermont. Vol. III. Montpelier, VT: J. & J. M. Poland. pp. 185â186 â via Google Books.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Bushnell, Mark (December 21, 2008). "Chipman puts a hole in Allen myth". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT.
