Free Republic

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Republican Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie leads all five of his potential Democratic opponents in the first Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 survey of this year’s race for governor in Vermont. A telephone survey of likely voters in the state shows Secretary of State Deb Markowitz to be the most competitive Democrat for now. Dubie leads her by seven points, 46% to 39%. He posts a 48% to 35% lead over State Senator Doug Racine, a former lieutenant governor. Dubie earns 51% of the vote against State Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin, who picks up 33%. The Republican enjoys an even...

MONTPELIER — Democratic Vermont Auditor Tom Salmon is switching parties to the GOP. Salmon announced his plans today, saying he is frustrated with the Democrats’ handling of the budget, and says the party has moved too far to the left. Salmon says he plans to run for auditor next year, but says if Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie does not run for governor, there’s a very slim chance he might. Salmon says he’s been considering switching parties for some time and says the Republican party is the closest to accepting the realities of the times. He says when he returned...

In front of statewide leaders, allies and enemies alike, Governor Jim Douglas made one of the biggest announcements in his long political career. "With what will be eight years as governor-- fifteen statewide elections-- I will have held center stage long enough for any leader. I will not seek another term as governor of Vermont," said Douglas, R-Vermont. An emotional bombshell dropped by a typically steady politician. Fresh out of college Douglas ran for the Vermont House and won, he then went to work for Governor Dick Snelling, eventually winning election to become Secretary of State and Treasurer. Partway through...

Vermont GOP Gov. Jim Douglas announced at a press conference Thursday that he will not seek a fifth term in 2010. “It’s been the great privilege of my life to serve the people of this state whom I know so well,” said Douglas, who won reelection to a fourth two-year term in 2008. “I am ready to write a new chapter in my life.” Douglas did not elaborate on his future plans, but said he will not be running for any elective office next year. “I am not running for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House or any other statewide office...