As the November 3, 2026, election approaches in Vermont, the race for the Windsor 2 district seat has drawn a public endorsement from a local military figure. In a column published by The Chester Telegraph, Dr. August Murray, a retired U.S. Army Colonel residing in Weathersfield, has publicly declared his support for the reelection of incumbent State Representative VL Coffin.
The endorsement centers on Coffin’s legislative record and his personal conduct within the communities of Baltimore, Cavendish, Weathersfield, and the broader Windsor 2 district. Murray’s argument for the incumbent’s return to Montpelier hinges on a blend of constituent service and alignment with the policy platform of Phil Scott.
Legislative Priorities and Executive Alignment
Murray writes that Coffin’s legislative focus remains anchored in property rights, tax reduction, and the general economic health of Vermont’s rural communities. These priorities are presented by the author as essential components for addressing what he characterizes as the state’s current affordability crisis.
The endorsement explicitly ties Coffin’s candidacy to the agenda of Phil Scott. Murray argues that the state requires representatives who are willing to work directly with the Governor to enact fiscal policies that protect taxpayers. By highlighting this partnership, the column positions Coffin as a legislator committed to a specific, collaborative approach to state governance, contrasting this with broader political debates over the state’s fiscal trajectory.
Service Beyond the State House
A significant portion of the argument for Coffin’s reelection relies on accounts of his personal conduct outside of his official duties. Murray recounts several instances of community involvement, including Coffin’s participation in local events such as fishing derbies, community barbecues, and the “Lace Up for Laura” charity run. The author also notes Coffin’s military background, citing his service in Iraq and Afghanistan and his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal.
Murray describes a specific incident involving a local resident who was experiencing financial hardship while transitioning into a new job. According to the column, Coffin and his wife, Andrea, provided the individual with a week’s worth of food to bridge the gap until his first paycheck arrived. Murray emphasizes that this act of assistance was conducted without public acknowledgment or expectation of reward, framing it as evidence of Coffin’s character.
The Stakes for Windsor 2
The endorsement serves as a reflection of the localized nature of Vermont’s legislative politics, where personal interactions and community visibility often hold as much weight as policy platforms. By detailing these experiences—ranging from personal tours of the State House for constituents to private charitable acts—Murray argues that Coffin’s service is rooted in a consistent, personal commitment to his neighbors.
For the voters of Windsor 2, the choice on November 3 represents a decision on whether to continue with the incumbent’s approach to rural advocacy and his stated alignment with the Governor’s fiscal policies. Murray’s column underscores the importance of this decision, framing his vote as a recognition of Coffin’s service, character, and his ongoing effort to address the financial pressures facing Vermont residents.
