Former State Auditor and current Franklin County Senator is expected to announce his campaign to challenge Democratic Peter Shumlin for the state’s top job today. A press release only indicated a big announcement of some kind, but Terri Hallenbeck at vtbuzz and WCAX both note that his website (now offline) last night indicated:
“I am a candidate for Governor of the State of Vermont. I take that candidacy very seriously. It is the culmination of my two terms as a Vermont State Senator and service as Vermont’s 28th State Auditor.”
The website also suggested he would run as a centrist and will likely therefore (predictably and boring-ly) attempt to paint Shumlin as an out-of-touch liberal (although it sounds as though he’s not interested in getting personal). There will be no (serious) GOP primary, as their coordination of statewide candidates has been tight and methodical.
Actually, in the interest of accuracy, that should read “Still more proof of Republican vote suppression.” Take a number.
I say, “good riddance.” It will be a pleasure to have him dislodged from his senate seat to make room, hopefully, for a Democrat.
I have a feeling the demographics of the county may be changing gradually as the old conservative power brokers age-out . I’d love to see Euan Bear run; and maybe Mike McCarthy for the House.
If Brock predictably jumps on the Republican’s socially conservative hobby-horse
he’ll smell like yesterday’s fish to the majority of Vermonters.
Centerist? He can’t distinguish himself on the no-new-taxes front or so-called “permit reform” (regulatory relaxation) because Shumlin has already positioned himself about as far to the right on those issues as most Vermonters will tolerate.
Randy Brock is far from dumb. He understands state government and understands finance. He is by far the best candidate the Republicans can run at this point. Do not underestimate him. It will be a wild campaign, not the typical Vermont one. Hang onto your hat this is going to be a ride and a half.
the rumors that Brian Dubie was interested in rehabilitating his damaged reputation with another run at the governorship were wrong.
Well-we’ll always have Brian’s Cory Bliss-ful Pure Vermont campaign antics to remember.
This is Captain Dubie. My life is currently in a holding pattern, watching the American Airlines’ bankruptcy play out and waiting to see what is going to happen to my pension, my wages and my benefits. Could be a rocky ride from here on out folks, so please buckle up and hang on tight. From the cockpit, thank you for your support.