Senator Jim Jeffords, one of Vermont's two independent members of Congress (the other being Democratic-leaning Socialist Bernie Sanders) seems to be doing well in his quest for reelection, according to the AP's Christopher Graff:

Sen. James Jeffords may be a man without a party, but he has plenty of high-powered friends. Facing his first re-election bid since leaving the Republican Party, the Vermont independent on Wednesday got an endorsement from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and a boost from Republican Gov. James Douglas, who said he will not campaign against Jeffords because he "has served the state well."

Jeffords, whose first 26 years in Washington were as a Republican, infuriated GOP leaders four years ago when he became an independent, saying the party had become too conservative for him. The move gave Democrats control of the Senate until the 2002 election.

Jeffords often sides with Democrats, and Leahy said he will do everything he can to ensure his re-election next year.

"Jim has shown the kind of independence you expect in Vermont," said Leahy, adding, "I look as this as a Vermonter, not as a Republican or Democrat."

Jeffords moderation and bipartisan leanings represent what's good about America's political process. It's great to see that he should be able to coast to reelection.