That’s a 19.6% increase in Republican candidates and a 9.2% increase in Democratic candidates. The rising number of candidates is a sign of the high stakes in Vermont politics. The debate was the first ever held by the Fairlee Democratic Caucus. ALEX DRIEHAUS / Valley News Credit: Valley News – Alex Driehaus“I guess I’m surprised,” at the number of Democratic Senate candidates, Chase said in an interview. “The Vermont Republican Senate caucus has an outstanding platform called ‘Vermont Promise’ that presents a clear commitment to bring the relief that Vermonters have demanded for years.”