Senate candidates Richard Mallary, Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders (left to
right) at a forum in Brattleboro. Source: Brattleboro Reformer, Oct. 14, 1974.

September 16 - December 20, 2024
Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Silver Special Collections Gallery
Billings Library, Room 201
48 University Place, Burlington

The exhibit examines the pivotal 1974 race for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by long-time Vermont Senator George Aiken. Three candidates, all committed to improving lives of Vermonters and addressing national problems, vied for the seat. Bernard Sanders, representing the state’s new Liberty Union Party, campaigned for fundamental and radical change. Republican Richard Mallary was already a seasoned politician, while Democrat Patrick Leahy was a young political newcomer. Drawing heavily on material from the Liberty Union, Richard W. Mallary and Patrick Leahy Papers in Special Collections, the exhibit focuses on each of the candidates, the campaign, and the role of the media in influencing an unexpected outcome.

Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Special Collections at uvmsc@uvm.edu or 802-656-2138.