Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie (R) Files Exploratory Paperwork For U.S. Senate Run

The Rutland Herald ^ | September 16, 2005 | Louis Porter

[Clintonfatigued]

Dubie's decision to run for reelection in 2006 or for Senate has been closely watched in Vermont's political circles and by potential candidates interested in both jobs.

[ken5050]

Please correct spelling of "Senate" in header..thanks..

[Clintonfatigued]

Oops, I misspelled "Senate"

[ken5050]

you link doesn't work, either..maybe you shouldn't drive today....? (g)

[Past Your Eyes]

Is that newspaper as far out in left field as everything else in Vermont seems to be?

[highlymotivated]

LOTS of libs will vote for him purely on the pronunciation of his last name.

[Clintonfatigued]

With Air Force veteran Dubie running for the Senate and state National Guard director Martha Rainville running for the House, 2006 has the potential to be good for GOP soldiers.

It's gonna be interesting. Let's hope for a happy ending.

[Clintonfatigued]

LOL--good one. I'm on my lunch break at the public library.

[Past Your Eyes]

Never mind. I think I have my answer.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050913/NEWS/509130302/1018/OPINION
This link worked. At least for me.

[ken5050]

Bernie Sanders in the Senate is a really scary thought...PTPH, his candidacy will drag the dem party much further left..which is a good thing for us..

[Last Dakotan]

At one time Vermont was known worldwide for its machine tool and precision manufacturing industries, now it is known for its lesbians.

[AuH2ORepublican]

As I've written before, Dubie can win the Senate race. He got 56% in his reelection as Lt. Gov. in 2004 (while Bush was getting 39% in the state), and, if the liberal vote is split between Sanders and the Dem nominee, Dubie should have no problem getting over 40% for the win.

I know less about Rainville, but I read that the Progressive Party will be running a candidate for the House, which should result in a split liberal vote and give Rainville a good chance at the victory.

[Clintonfatigued]

You read correctly, state Representative David Zuckerman of the Progressive Party will be running, as will Democrat ex-state Senator Peter Welch.

Incidently, Welch ran for Congress in 1990 and was challenged by then-Burlington Mayor Bernie Sanders. Sanders overshadowed him and split the liberal vote, electing Peter Smith (R). I take that as being a good sign for Rainville.

[Clintonfatigued]

Well, if things go well, it will be known in D.C. for being represented by Republican military veterans.

[MassachusettsGOP]

Great News, Dubie or Douglas were about the other guys that would make this competitive. Sanders however is more popular than Dubie is, and Dubie has his work cut out for him, especially with no Democrat, or Progressive Party candidates in the mix as well. (Doesn't appear that Racine will run).

As for the Congressional Seat, We have a good candidate in Rainville, however the Progressive is not likely to garner more than 7-10% at best. The Democrat is likely to be a farily well established candidate as well in either Peter Shumlin (Ex-State Senate President Pro Tempore, Ex-State Rep., 02 Lt. Governor Nominee) or Peter Welch (Senate President Pro Tem & '88 Candidate & '90 Governor Candidate).

There is plenty of oppurnity for a Republican break through in Vermont in 2006, but it will be tough, especially if National Republicans continue to ignore New England. Also, its a midterm election under a president of unusual unpopularity in NE, so don't get your hopes up.