Scott kicks off campaign for Lt. Gov.
Pitches fiscal restraint, blue-collar background
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By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau - Published: December 2, 2009
BURLINGTON – Branding himself as a proud fiscal conservative in touch with the needs of work-a-day Vermonters, Sen. Phil Scott officially entered the race for lieutenant governor Tuesday night inside a hotel ballroom packed with applauding supporters.
At the same time he focused attention on a race that is drawing increased interest in this year when both of Vermont's top statewide offices are open with no incumbent running.
The five-term senator from Washington County promised relief from high tax burdens and a renewed focus on job creation as he launched his first bid for statewide office.
Calling himself a mechanic, snowmobiler, truck driver, laborer and mechanic, the 51-year-old Montpelier resident sought to establish his blue-collar credibility as he kicked off a campaign to replace outgoing incumbent Brian Dubie.
"Government must live within its means, just as families and businesses across Vermont do every day. In business, if expenses are outpacing revenues, you have to cut costs – it's that simple," Scott said. "… As lieutenant governor, I will be a voice of fiscal common sense, always keeping in mind that the workers of Vermont pay the bills of state government."
On the Republican side at least, a string of announcements from potential candidates this week has brought the lieutenant governor's race into clearer focus.
Sen. Randy Brock, a Franklin County Republican and former state auditor, said he will not seek higher office. Sen. Kevin Mullin, a Rutland County Republican who had been weighing a bid, also said he won't seek the post. Sen. Vince Illuzzi, a Republican from Essex County, said he'll wait until the end of the legislative session before making his decision. Former senator John Bloomer, Jr., has also said he might run.
That leaves Scott and Mark Snelling, son of former governor Richard Snelling and former lieutenant governor Barbara Snelling, as the lone announced candidates for the Republican nod.
Snelling, 59, has been appointed to commissions studying housing, community planning and economic development by Democratic and Republican governors. He lives in Starksboro, and is now the president of the Snelling Center for Government.
Like Scott, co-owner of Dubois Construction, Snelling is a businessman, selling copper and brass wiring to industrial firms. He owns a small manufacturing company based in Shelburne that is in a related business.
Snelling said Tuesday that he's also running to help solve some of the severe fiscal issues facing the state.
"I see some very difficult issues, issues up front but also some longer-term financial issues I want to help work on," Snelling said. "I've been a business person for 35 years and so I know budget negotiations. I know people, I know personalities, and I got all that from the small-business world."
Scott said his combined experience in the world of business and the Vermont Legislature have prepared him for the work of the lieutenant governor's office. As chairman of the Committee on Institutions and vice-chairman of the Committee on Transportation, Scott said, he's earned a reputation as a moderate Republican able to negotiate responsible spending packages.
"We all know that small businesses in Vermont are facing unprecedented challenges. We don't need to add to their burden by increasing taxes and regulations," Scott said. "As Lieutenant Governor, I'll be a champion for pro-job policies that focus on getting Vermonters back to work."
On social issues, both Scott and Snelling lean to the left. Scott voted 'yes' for the same-sex marriage bill during the last session before voting to override the governor's veto of that legislation. Snelling said Tuesday he also would have voted to approve the same-sex marriage bill.
Eric Davis, professor emeritus of political science at Middlebury College, said Scott and Snelling should make for an interesting primary.
"You have somebody with name recognition in the case of Snelling but no electoral experience whatsoever," Scott said. "And then you have Scott, with lots of electoral success who interestingly has done very well in what it otherwise a strongly Democratic county."
No one has yet to enter the race on the Democratic side, though several legislators are mulling a bid. Rep. Steve Howard, a Rutland County Democrat, said he's "very seriously" considering a run. Rep. David Zuckerman, a Burlington Progressive, is also considering his prospects. Zuckerman, who met with Democratic Party officials in Washington County last Monday, said he'll run in that party's primary if he does go ahead with the campaign.
"I'm still talking with the Democratic Party people to see how they would feel about this hybrid campaign. In general I've gotten a positive response," Zuckerman said from his Hinesburg farm Tuesday. "It seems there are more and more everyday voters who would like to see small 'p' progressive in the office."
Of all the potential candidates on the left, Davis said, an announcement from Zuckerman would likely have the most political consequence.
"I would say the big question on the Democratic side is what is David Zuckerman going to do," Davis said. "I think he's probably one of better known of the Democrats that are considering right now, and my guess is the Democratic field may remain fluid until Zuckerman announces what he's going to do."
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