My Declaration of Independence

by James M. Jeffords

Senator James Jeffords of Vermont left the Republican Party on May 24, 2001, when he could no longer reconcile his beliefs with the policies of the party he had supported his whole adult life. "Looking ahead," Jeffords said, "I can see more and more instances where I will disagree with the President on very fundamental issues." In "My Declaration of Independence," Jeffords explains the issues that led to this dramatic break. Foremost among them was the Bush Administration's and the Republican leadership's failure to recognize the need to invest in education, now and in the future.

Tracing the genesis of his decision, Jeffords describes his attempts to effect change within his party, and the pain of hurting Republican colleagues and friends. His decision came just at the moment when his defection would deprive them of the Washington trifecta they had recently achieved -- Republican control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. It was also going to cost many of his friends committee chairmanships they had acquired only a few months before. "But in the end," he writes, "I had to be true to what I thought was right, and leave the consequences to sort themselves out in the days ahead."

In a contemporary "Profiles in Courage," Senator Jeffords provides a moving, witty, and instructive example of what can happen in public life. Whether you agree with his views or not, his account of his tough decisions, and of his anguish at rejecting the last-minute appeals of the leadership of his party, the President, and his wife, is a riveting story that has wide implications for the whole country.

Content:

I. Obscure Senator, Small State 13
II. Point of No Return 29
III. A Short Walk Across the Aisle 6i
IV. Coup of One 79
V. My Declaration 113
VI. Afterword 127
Acknowledgments 137

Genres: History

136 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2001

Reviews

[Liz Fothergill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating first hand account of Senator Jim Jeffords’ decision to leave the Republican party, become an Independent and caucus with the Democrats-a decision that swung control of the Senate to the Dems. Interesting to note the questions Jeffords posed for readers at the end revolved around 1. strengthening public education 2. leaving the land better than we found it and 3. giving full rights to all Americans. Seems like the GOP hasn’t made much progress in the past 20 years. #countryoverparty

[Wesley Kempton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and easy read, this book chronicles the days leading up to Senator Jim Jeffords' announcement that he was leaving the Republican party. Jeffords' writing style is simple and humble and refreshingly honest. Worth reading if you're a lover of Vermont or American politics, or if you're looking for the wholesome voice of a principled politician.

[AJ B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting inside perspective on politics and modern polarization and how Jeffords reasoned his decision.

[Timothy Finucane · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book and the events it describes are from 2001, the message couldn't be more relevant today. In 2001, Vermont Senator James M. Jeffords made the very hard decision to leave the Republican Party and become an Independent. This was a very difficult choice for him, but one that shows a man clearly standing by his convictions and principals.

The book clearly exposes the difficulties and the affect that changing party affiliation can have, not just on an individual, but his/her staff, as well as the entire nation. It also shows exactly how the bargaining process works in Washington, and the tricks your detractors will use to thwart you.

I identify with former Senator Jeffords and his feelings about the Republican party, and maybe that's why I liked this short little book so much. The Republican Party has lost it's way, it has been taken over by more extreme conservative elements and has lost sight of its original principals. I didn't pay as much attention to this story when it happened, but it looks like I should have. It foretold the path the Republican Party was headed down. Today, having read Senator Jeffords' concise summary of events has reminded me why I stay Independent.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite inspirational for me. It tells the story of Senator Jim Jeffords' party switch in 2001 and the reasons why he did it. He feels the way many other Northeastern Republicans do, that the South has co-opted the party and turned it into the party of gay marriage and abortion.

A highly recommended read.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! For every Republican who knows deep in their heart that their party is evil, this is the story of a lawmaker who comes to the same realization...and takes a courageous step to do something about it! Though he marginalized himself in the political process, he made the GOP leadership understand that not all pols were as corrupt as they were.

[Douglas Graney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was glad he switched but he cost a lot of Hill staffers and interns their jobs with that move.