2008Final results
2008 election for Vermont's at-large District
U.S. House · Vermont
Peter Welch (D) won with 83.2% of the vote, defeating Mike Bethel (Ind) by 78.4 points.
Peter WelchDemocrat · winner
83.2%248,203
Mike BethelIndependent
4.8%14,349
Jerry TrudellOther party
3.6%10,818
Thomas James HermannProgressive
3.0%9,081
Cris EricsonIndependent
2.6%7,841
Jane NewtonLiberty Union
1.8%5,307
Write-ins and other votesOther party
0.9%2,552
298,151 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 2008
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
Peter WelchNo Republican
$956.1K
Raised by the campaign
—
$654.4K
Spent by the campaign
—
$630K
Cash on hand
—
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 2008.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 2008
The candidates
Peter Welch (D)Mike Bethel (I)
Also on the ballot: Jerry Trudell (Other party), 3.6%; Thomas James Hermann (Progressive), 3.0%; Cris Ericson (Independent), 2.6%; Jane Newton (Liberty Union), 1.8%