Lining up for Lt. governor
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By Louis Porter Vermont Press Bureau - Published: October 2, 2009
MONTPELIER — The field of candidates in the race for governor, still more than a year away, got the news they were waiting for.
So did potential candidates who are considering a run for lieutenant governor.
Now that Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie says he's running for governor, those considering running to replace Dubie in the lieutenant governor's spot — particularly on the GOP side — are lining up to take his place. Here are some of the potential or announced candidates for the job.
State Sen. Phil Scott, a Washington County Republican and well-known race car driver, said he may run for the job. "I am seriously considering running at this point," Scott said.
"I am not ready to commit entirely," he said, but added "I think I have the skill sets necessary to do the job. I understand what the job entails and I think I have a reasonable chance of winning, with a lot of work, if I decide to get in."
Scott said he is considering running to preside over the Senate – part of the lieutenant governor's job – because there will be a need for a mediator between lawmakers and the new administration that will take over when Gov. James Douglas leaves office in January of 2011.
"You have the opportunity to be the mediator and I think I do that well," Scott said. "I love Vermont. I am passionate about who we are and what we are about. I can foster that from a leadership position."
Scott won't be alone. Mark Snelling, a businessman in Shelburne and son of the late Gov. Richard Snelling and former Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling, is running for lieutenant governor as well.
"If I am lucky enough to run on the ticket with Brian, I will be very proud to be there," Snelling said Thursday. "If I were lucky enough to be elected I think we could work very well together."
The state faces the challenge of balancing the "checkbook" issues of declining state revenues with the "compassion" imperative of providing services to those who need them, Snelling said.
"We have to solve the checkbook issues if we are going to have the kind of compassion we want," he said.
Other Republicans may run as well, including another State Senator, Randy Brock of Franklin, a former state auditor.
"I certainly intend to be part of the 2010 Republican team," Brock said. But he is not sure if that will be as a candidate for lieutenant governor or to retain his senate seat, Brock said. "Brian's announcement is welcome news. He has demonstrated a broad appeal to Vermonters. I am considering how I can best assist Brian."
"We have more than half of our terms remaining and we have a lot of work to be done," Brock said. "I hope we won't forget why we are there. We are there to get a job done and it is a tough job"
Another Republicans who may run for the job of lieutenant governor is state senator Kevin Mullin of Rutland.
After the Columbus Day weekend he will travel the state talking to supporters and others about the possibility of a run, Mullin said.
"I had expected Brian to run and I had hoped he would run," Mullin said. "I think that he will make a great governor."
State Auditor Tom Salmon, who recently switched from being a Democrat to being a Republican, said Dubie's announcement reduces what he had said was a small chance he would run for higher office to zero.
Salmon praised Dubie and said that although he would have considered running for governor if the lieutenant governor had not, he has not thought about running for Dubie's current spot.
He is well-suited to the job and is focused on it and being a catalyst for good government, Salmon said.
Although Republicans who may run for the second political spot in the state will be most directly affected by Dubie's decision, potential Democratic candidates are also considering their options.
Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan is one Democrat who may run for the post. State Sen. Virginia Lyons, D-Chittenden, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the job as had Tom Costello, who ran for the office last election.
State Rep. David Zuckerman, a Progressive of Burlington, has said he may run for the second place job as a Democrat and hope to win the Progressive line on the ballot as well through a write-in campaign. Frequent candidate Boots Wardinski, who has run for office under the Liberty Union party, may run as a Progressive as well.
Another name in the mix is state Sen. Ed Flanagan, D-Chittenden.
One person who will not be running is State Sen. John Campbell of Windsor, the majority leader. With so many state senators considering a run for higher office it is important to maintain some continuity in the Senate — especially given the financial difficulties facing the state — Campbell said.
"I have considered higher office in the past and I have been approached to do so now," Campbell said. "This is going to be a very important (legislative) session. The problems Vermont is facing are much more important than my political future."
Scott said that potential loss of continuity in the Senate — with nearly a third of the body considering running — is one thing that may hold him back.
"That is a huge, huge hole. I am very concerned about that," Scott said. "I don't take the position lightly."
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