There's a tendency in politics to attribute bad motivation much too quickly, and the sooner you attribute bad motivation to someone you disagree with, the harder it is to find some common ground to make some progress that would give people confidence that you got it more right than wrong.

Welch was reelected in 2008 with no major-party opposition becoming the first Democrat to be reelected to the House from Vermont in 158 years. Despite Welch’s Progressive positions on social issues and his low ratings from traditionally conservative interest groups Welch has adopted a conservative position on gun rights. In July 2009 Welch supported legislation to help disabled veterans.

He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served in the Vermont Senate where he was the Minority Leader and President pro tempore.