Shumlin likely to regain Senate post
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Times Argus Staff
Vermont Press Bureau - Published: November 20, 2008
MONTPELIER – Windham County Sen. Peter Shumlin appears to be on his way to becoming Senate President Pro Tem for another legislative biennium.
Senate Democrats voted unanimously Wednesday to nominate Shumlin to continue on in that position, which he reclaimed when he returned to the Statehouse after a four-year absence in 2006.
The full Vermont Senate must still vote on the nomination, but with Democrats holding a 23-7 majority in that legislative body, his position is all but signed, sealed and delivered.
Meanwhile, the Senate Democrats also reelected Windsor County Sen. John Campbell as majority leader and Addison County Sen. Claire Ayer as assistant majority leader. Those elections do not need to be ratified by the full Senate.
Shumlin said he will be proud to serve again as president pro tem if that is the will of his fellow senators. He warned though that the Vermont Legislature faces tough times ahead, although he hopes early support for President-elect Barack Obama in the Green Mountain State will lead to a fruitful relationship with Washington, D.C.
"We face tremendous difficulties going forward, but with those difficulties also come tremendous opportunity," Shumlin said.
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