The Rainbow Coalition was organized in 1984 during Jesse Jackson's first run for president. It brought together progressive political activists from throughout the state to support Jackson and his platform. In the elections of 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990 the Rainbow Coalition supported both Democratic and independent candidates in legislative and state races, and worked inside and outside of the Vermont Democratic Party to advance progressive positions on a variety of issues.
The Rainbow Coalition was closely affiliated with the Progressive Coalition of Burlington, Vermont. Bernard Sanders had been elected mayor of Burlington in 1981. In 1988 he ran for Vermont's lone seat in the U.S. Congress as a member the Progressive Coalition with support from the Rainbow Coalition. Sanders lost that year to Peter Smith. Two years Sanders defeated Smith to win the Congressional seat.
From the description of Rainbow Coalition of Vermont records, 1984-1991. (Vermont Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 43675300
