Vermont Business Magazine is posting emails it receives from the major party candidates for governor. The emails are from their chief spokesmen, Kate Duffy for Republican Brian Dubie and Alexandra MacLean for Democrat Peter Shumlin. While we also receive emails from other supporters, the principal discourse via email has come from these two. They are presented in the order VBM received them, with the most recent first. The Blue items are from the Shumlin campaign; the Red are from the Dubie campaign.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 31, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Final Approach to VictoryDubie to wrap up 14-county tour with finale at Champlain Valley Expo;
Sign waves, phone banks, and door knocking remind supporters to vote
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie on Monday will complete his four-day tour of all of Vermont’s 14 counties with visits to Grand Isle, Franklin, Addison and Chittenden counties. The "Final Approach" tour will culminate with a final rally at the same place Dubie officially kicked off his campaign with the "Taking Off" tour in June -- the Champlain Valley Expo in Dubie's hometown of Essex Junction.
Following a sign wave at the Five Corners in Essex Junction, Dubie will also meet with voters in North Hero, Milton, St. Albans, Colchester, Vergennes, Shelburne and South Burlington. In addition, volunteers will spend the day in neighborhoods and phone banks in a statewide outreach aimed at reminding people to vote on Tuesday. Dubie supporters will continue the most ambitious grass-roots initiative in Vermont history, having made more than 500,000 phone calls over the course of the campaign and surpassing their goal of knocking on 100,000 doors statewide.
“I have met with thousands of Vermonters all over the state over the course of this campaign and especially over the past few days," Dubie said. "They are enthusiastic and committed to making this great state an even better state. People are excited about my plans for cutting taxes and red tape and growing jobs. I would be proud to serve them as their Governor, and I promise to live up to the commitments I’ve made.”
Monday, November 17:45 a.m. Five Corners Sign Wave, 1 Park St, Essex Junction9:00 a.m. North Hero, Hero’s Welcome, 3537 US Route 2, North Hero
10:00 a.m. Milton, Milton Diner, 514 Route 7 South, Milton11:00 a.m. St. Albans, Dowtown walkaround, meet at Handy's Toyota, St. Albans
12:45 p.m. Colchester, Libby's Diner, 46 Highpoint Center, Colchester2:00 p.m. Vergennes, Small City Market, 5 S. Water Street, Vergennes
3:00 p.m. Shelburne, Shelburne Supermarket, 20 Shelburne Shoppimg Park, Shelburne
3:30 p.m. South Burlington, Price Chopper Plaza, Shelburne Road, South Burlington
4:45 p.m. South Burlington, Al's French Frys, 1251 Williston Rd., South Burlington
5:30 p.m. "Final Approach" Finale with Gov. Jim Douglas, Champlain Valley Fair Grounds/Miller Building, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 31, 2010
New poll Predicts Dubie will win by 8 points
Judging by history, a poll released Sunday by Rasmussen Reports predicts that Brian Dubie will defeat Peter Shumlin by eight points on Tuesday.A poll released the Sunday before the 2002 election, the last time there was an open seat in Vermont’s gubernatorial race, found Doug Racine beating Jim Douglas by a ten-point margin. When the votes were counted on Election Day, the poll was proven wrong as Jim Douglas beat Racine by three points – a swing of 13 points from what the poll predicted.“The campaign has maintained a consistent lead in our internal polling and as the campaigns momentum grows with each day we expect to win on Tuesday night.” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “The campaign was honored to receive the endorsement by the Times Argus and Rutland Herald Friday – just the latest endorsements in a diverse group that has included small business owners, law enforcement, fire fighters, farmers, newspapers and more. We are in the midst of the biggest grass-roots campaign in Vermont history, with our supporters having knocked on over 100,000 doors. The campaign and our supports won’t stop knocking on doors and making phone calls until the polls are closed on Tuesday night”The 2002 election also pitted Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin against each other in the race for Lieutenant Governor, a precursor to the 2010 gubernatorial race. A poll taken just days before that election predicted Peter Shumlin would win by two points. Dubie won the election by nine points.Here is the Associated Press story from 2002:Latest poll shows move by RacineNovember 3, 2002The Associated PressBURLINGTON — The latest independent poltical poll published Sunday indicated Democrat Douglas Racine had opened a 10-point lead over Republican James Douglas in the race for Vermont governor.The statewide poll for The Burlington Free Press of 625 likely voters gave Racine 46 percent, Douglas 36 percent and independent Con Hogan 9 percent.Other candidates had 1 percent, and 8 percent were undecided.In the race for lieutenant governor, Democrat Peter Shumlin had 32 percent, Republican Brian Dubie 30 percent, and Progressive Anthony Pollina 24 percent, with 3 percent favoring other candidates and 11 percent undecided.The poll, conducted Wednesday through Friday by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. of Washington, D.C., has a margin of error of 4 percentage points. That means there is believed to be a 95 percent certainty that Douglas’ actual support is in the 32 to 40 percent range, with Racine’s ranging from 42 to 50 percent.Racine, who had a 7-point lead over Douglas in a statewide poll conducted by the same firm a week earlier, is getting his new support from women and in Chittenden County, the poll indicated.His lead over Douglas among women, 13 percentage points a week ago, surged to 23 points in the new poll. He had a 7-percentage-point lead in Chittenden County a week ago; now the margin is 20 points.Polling of subgroups like women or Chittenden County residents produces larger margins of error than the 4 percentage points in either direction found in the overall survey sample of 625.The poll results also suggest some of Racine’s new support is coming at Hogan’s expense. Hogan received 13 percent of his support from Democrats in the earlier poll; the new poll had his Democratic support at 5 percent.Douglas, the poll suggested, had cut Racine’s 9-percentage-point lead in half in the five counties ringing Chittenden County and was maintaining his lead in the Northeast Kingdom.Asked whom they would support if the contest were just between Racine and Douglas, Hogan’s supporters leaned slightly toward Douglas.Shumlin was the only candidate in the close lieutenant governor’s race who gained support in the last week, according to the poll.He improved by 4 percentage points, while Dubie showed no change and Pollina dropped a single percentage point.The poll data indicated Shumlin, like Racine, was running stronger than in the earlier poll among women and in Chittenden County.Dubie is finding more support among people younger than 50, while Shumlin is gaining among people over age 50, when the two polls are compared. Pollina’s numbers with both groups were about the same in the two polls.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 31, 2010
Penny Dubie urges Vermonters to elect her husband Brian on Tuesday
Essex Junction - In a call sent to over 100,000 homes on Sunday Penny Dubie asks Vermonters to help elect her husband Vermont’s next Governor this Tuesday. “No one knows a candidate better than his wife,” Dubie spokeswoman Kate Duffy said. “Penny Dubie knows her husband’s integrity, honesty, and commitment to doing what is right for Vermont makes him the best choice for Governor.”Click here to listen to the call: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/penny_dubie
Hi! This is Penny Dubie. I’m calling to ask you to vote for my husband, Brian. As Vermont’s next Governor, Brian will work hard to control state spending, create jobs, and cut taxes for all Vermonters. I have been married to Brian for 25 years, and he has always been a faithful husband and a wonderful father. Vermonters can trust that he will always act with Vermont’s best interests at heart. Brian has always done what’s right for our family, and I know he’ll do what’s right for Vermont. So please vote for my husband, Brian Dubie, on Tuesday. Thank you!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 30, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:"Final Approach to Victory" tour continues SundayBrian Dubie rallies supporters to Get Out The Vote:
Sign waves, phone banks, and door knocking in all 14 counties
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will continue to rally supporters in all of Vermont’s 14 counties this weekend, taking his four-day “Final Approach” tour to northern Vermont, including stops in Derby, Island Pond, St. Johnsbury, Stowe and Waterbury on Sunday.
Volunteers will mobilize to neighborhoods and phone banks in a statewide outreach aimed at reminding people to vote on Tuesday. Dubie supporters will continue the most ambitious grass-roots campaign in Vermont history, making 50,000 phone calls and surpassing their goal of knocking on 100,000 doors statewide.
“The tremendous support we have seen throughout the first half of this tour has been inspiring," Dubie said. "Our momentum is growing every day, as people are drawn to my plans for cutting taxes and red tape and growing jobs. Vermonters know they can trust me, and I promise to live up to the commitments I’ve made and serve the people of our great state with integrity and respect.”
Sunday, October 3110:00 a.m. Derby Rally, Derby Shortstop, 4486 US Highway 5, Derby11:00 a.m. Island Pond Rally, Hobo’s Restaurant (formerly Jennifer’s), 18 Cross St., Island Pond12:00 p.m. St. Johnsbury Rally and Phone Bank, Caledonia County GOP Office, 1229 Portland St., St. Johnsbury2:00 p.m. Stowe Rally, Shed Restaurant, 1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe
3:15 Waterbury Rally, Arvad's Restaurant, 3 South Main St., Waterbury4:30 p.m. Taft Corners Sign Wave, Outside 99 Restaurant, 299 N. Williston Rd., WillistonMonday, November 17:45 a.m. Five Corners Sign Wave, 1 Park St, Essex Junction8:45 a.m. North Hero Rally, Hero’s Welcome, 3537 US Route 2, North Hero12:00 p.m. St. Albans Rally, Franklin County GOP Office, 52 North Main St., St. Albans1:45 p.m. Vergennes Rally, Small City Market, 5 S. Water Street, Vergennes
5:30 p.m. Final Approach Finale, Champlain Valley Fair Grounds/Miller Building, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction
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FOR PLANNING PURPOSES:
October 29, 2010
Campaign Schedule for Peter Shumlin
Weekend of October 30 & 31
Schedule Subject to Change
Saturday, October 30th
*Campaigning with Senator Leahy and Congressman Welch*
11:00-12:00
Castleton Football Game
Spartan Stadium, Castleton State College
12:30-2
Farmers Market and Lunch
98 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701
2:00-2:45
Meet and Greet with Firefighters
240 Main Street, Rutland
2:45-3:30
Visit to Democratic Party Headquarters
24 Center Street, Rutland
3:45-4:30
High School Girls Soccer Finals
Mill River Union High School,
2321 Middle Road North Clarendon, VT 05759
5:30-7:15
Halloween Parade
Line up at Madison St. & Strong Ave, Rutland
Sunday, October 31st
8:00-11:30
Winooksi/Burlington Diner Tour with Governor Dean and Congressman Welch
Meet at Libby’s Blue Line Diner (call Tom at 802-233-1378 if joining later)
46 Highpoint Center, South Colchester, Vermont 05446
2:30-3:00
Rally
Comtu Cascade Park, Springfield
4:00-4:30
Rally
River Garden, Brattleboro
157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 29, 2010
More of Shumlin’s hypocrisy on Vermont Yankee
Essex Junction - Peter Shumlin told reporters Thursday that he doesn’t “deal with ‘what-ifs,’” despite basing his biggest campaign promise on a “what-if” – a hypothetical waiver from the federal government on single-payer health care, which federal law states will not be available until 2017.
The answers came in response to reports that Shumlin had promised a dozen business leaders in a secret meeting that he would not shut down Vermont Yankee – despite promising for months that he would – if Entergy no longer owned the plant.
WCAX: So if you are elected governor we won't be having a conversation at some point about you thinking Yankee should be relicensed with a new owner? Shumlin: It will be highly unlikely.WCAX: So highly unlikely, but that is not a yes or a no.
WPTZ: Some people in that meeting thought you indicated you were not prepared to shut it down with a good power deal and a new owner. Is that true or not true?Shumlin: I can tell you the chances of that happening are so extraordinarily remote, that I don’t deal with ‘what-ifs.’
“Peter Shumlin’s hypocrisy is mind-boggling,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Once again, Peter Shumlin seems to believe he can play by his own set of rules, saying one thing to one group and the exact opposite to another. We saw this when Peter Shumlin promised to cut the Corrections Dept. budget to save money and then told the president of the state employees' union that he never said he would cut funding. Now we see he is promising everyone he will close Vermont Yankee, but telling business leaders who want to keep the plant open that he would not shut it down.”
The Burlington Free Press on Friday reported that the Democratic Governors Association is telling the nuclear industry that it supports nuclear power, despite sponsoring ads in Vermont that oppose it. The DGA received more than $890,000 from companies in the nuclear industry, according to campaign finance filings cited by the Burlington Free Press.
“No wonder Peter Shumlin is backing off from his promises to close Vermont Yankee, when the DGA, which spent half a million dollars on ads distorting Brian Dubie’s record on the issue, is apologizing for its attacks,” Bliss said. “This is one more sign Peter Shumlin will say or do anything to get elected.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 29, 2010
Dubie endorsed by Rutland Herald and Times Argus
Newspapers make case for balance in government,
call Dubie a “pragmatic and constructive” leader
Essex Junction - The following endorsement was published Friday in the Rutland Herald and Times Argus:
Decision point
In a campaign season awash in anonymous money, flatlander-funded advertising and nasty sound-bite politics, many Vermonters would rather ignore the cacophony of the gubernatorial contest than wade through the mud to make a decision.
A decision, however, is necessary.
To make that decision, we need to take a step back and look at both Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin as they were before their television makeovers at the hands of political hacks, and put them in the context of the priorities and professed aims they have outlined for Vermont.
Pushed by budget realities and the recession, Vermont and the nation have been challenged to come up with short-term solutions to supporting government activities, but we also need to find long-term solutions to systemic problems with the way our government operates.
As an example, the immediate major task facing our next governor will be to work with the Legislature on closing the $112 million budget gap for the next fiscal year. Almost half that gap — $50 million — is made up of a Medicaid funding shortfall. The next governor and Legislature have to close the short-term gap. Will they close the long-term gap? How will they do it?
There are many of these dilemmas: Health care, Vermont Yankee, energy policy, jobs, taxes, education funding and spending — the list goes on. Buried within the urgent problem for each is a more profound, long-term problem that this generation of Vermont politicians must face. Passing the buck to the next guy is not an option.
How would the next governor not just provide solutions, and how would he shape the debate?
We admire Peter Shumlin’s political ability, agility and courage, as exemplified by leading the Legislature to consider gay marriage and his work on crafting a workable budget in difficult times. Detractors called the gay marriage effort a political calculation, but for opponents of civil rights, there is never a right time to change. Shumlin has shown the ability to wield legislative power, by imposing a budget over Gov. James Douglas’s veto, and pushing what amounted to a vote of no confidence in Vermont Yankee through the Senate this year.
This ability is also the reason Vermonters should not support him for governor. Is it in Vermont’s best interest to grant what is in effect a blank political check to a Democratic governor, with a Democratic Senate and a Democratic House? The danger we run is that the legislative compromises we will end up with will be tilted far to one end of the political spectrum.
Shumlin has tried to make Dubie’s personal feelings about a woman’s right to choose an issue in this campaign — a tactic similar to one he used in the campaign for lieutenant governor in 2002. While nationally there is every reason to be concerned, we do not feel it is an issue here in Vermont. For the foreseeable future we see no way any legislation will ever reach the governor’s desk that would limit any woman’s rights.
When we look at the political history of Brian Dubie, we are confronted by a different model of leadership. Shumlin’s Primary Election opponents came together to claim that the Brian Dubie of the General Election campaign is “not the Brian we know.” That’s because Dubie has been pragmatic and constructive as lieutenant governor, rather than divisive. He has a more nuanced view on Vermont Yankee than you might expect and has offered budget goals that any private company would find reasonable and achievable.
The question on Dubie is whether he has the skill and ability to craft both short- and long-term solutions with a Democratic Legislature.
Vermont has a tradition of our local politicians defying the easy definition imposed by the national parties. George Aiken was an independent in Republican clothes; Dick Snelling raised taxes as a Republican; Howard Dean was a fiscal conservative as a Democrat; and James Douglas has been a principled moderate. With the power in the Legislature squarely in the hands of the Democrats, we need a governor who can balance the demands of the dominant political party not with a “no” at every turn, but with alternative solutions and a willingness to compromise. We believe Brian Dubie is that candidate.
— R. John Mitchell
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 28, 2010
Prominent Republicans Endorse Peter Shumlin
“Party loyalty is unimportant.” Former Speaker Stephan Morse
Burlington, Vt., - Longtime Republicans Stephan Morse of Newfane, Helen Riehle of South Burlington and Cornelius “Con” Hogan of Plainfield today endorsed the candidacy of Democrat Peter Shumlin for governor.
“I am honored that these distinguished Republican leaders have offered me their support,” Shumlin said. “We need to continue the Vermont tradition of working across party lines to get tough things done.”
Stephan Morse has a long and distinguished history in Vermont’s Republican Party having, among many other things, served as Speaker of the House in the 1980s.
"With the economic crisis facing Vermont, party loyalty is unimportant,” Morse said. “We need to hire the best person to lead us out of these trying times. Peter Shumlin is that candidate. Peter has demonstrated as President of the Senate that he is ready for this challenge. We need a Governor who knows the issues and can bring people together to solve our problems. And we need a Governor who has vision. Peter has all these qualities. Vermont needs his skills, knowledge and ability. In my mind, there is not a better candidate than Peter Shumlin for Governor of the State of Vermont."
Republican Helen Riehle served 18 years in the Vermont Legislature, the last eight as a Chittenden County State Senator. She chaired the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, the Health Access Oversight Committee and the Administrative Rules Committee.
“There are many excellent reasons as a Republican that I support Peter Shumlin,” Riehle said. “Several are directly related to ‘local control.’ My decision about my own reproductive health care is about as local as any decision can be. Peter will protect my right and the right of all Vermont women to make decisions about their own health. Peter also understands the value of local decision making around education. I am proud to strongly support Peter for governor. ”
Appointed by Republican Governor Richard Snelling, and retained by Governor Howard Dean, Con Hogan was Secretary of Vermont's Agency of Human Services from 1991 through 1999. Prior to that Hogan had a career in Corrections, including being Corrections Commissioner — again appointed by Governor Snelling. Hogan has been outspoken in his support of Peter Shumlin’s proposals for Corrections reform, reforms that Hogan has championed in the past.
“I’m supporting Peter Shumlin because he isn’t afraid to tackle our toughest problems,” Hogan said. “We can’t afford to tread water any longer. From corrections to health care – Peter will tackle Vermont’s challenges and move our state forward.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 28, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:Final Approach to VictoryBrian Dubie to rally supporters in every Vermont county over four days;
supporters Get Out The Vote with sign waves, phone banks, and door knocking
Essex Junction - Four and a half months after kicking off his campaign for Governor with a statewide “Taking Off” tour, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will visit all of Vermont’s 14 counties with a four-day “Final Approach” tour.
Rallies are scheduled at stops in 25 communities, starting at 8:00 Friday morning in Bennington and ending at 5:30 p.m. Monday night where the campaign officially began, at the Champlain Valley Expo in Dubie’s hometown of Essex Junction. The tour will give supporters a chance to meet with Dubie and cheer him on to victory on Election Day.
As a sign of statewide unity, supporters will gather at 5:00 Friday night for simultaneous sign waves in all 14 counties.
Dubie supporters will also continue the most ambitious grass-roots campaign in Vermont history, far surpassing their goal of knocking on 100,000 doors statewide. To date, the campaign has knocked on 89,500 doors.
“We have tremendous momentum and it’s growing every day,” Dubie said. “People are clearly drawn to my plans for cutting taxes and red tape and growing jobs. I’m so inspired by the support we’ve gotten, and we continue to receive endorsements every day – from small businesses, farmers, fire fighters, law enforcement and more. Vermonters know they can trust me, and I promise to live up to the commitments I’ve made and serve the people of our great state with integrity and respect.”
Friday, October 298:00 a.m. Bennington Rally, GOP Office, 204 South St., Bennington10:00 a.m. Wilmington Rally, Dot’s Restaurant, 3 Main St., Wilmington11:00 a.m. Brattleboro Rally, Sportsman Lounge, 45 Canal St., Brattleboro12:45 p.m. Springfield Rally, Royal Diner, 363 River St., Springfield2:00 p.m. White River Junction Rally, Crossroads Restaurant, 96 Sykes Mountain Ave., WRJ4:00 p.m. Randolph Rally, Randolph Depot, 2 Salisbury St., Randolph
5:00-6:00 p.m. 14 Sign Waves Across The State!South Burlington: Staples Plaza - 861 Williston Rd.St. Albans: Jolley Short Stop, Exit 19South Hero: Sand Bar Inn, 59 US Rte. 2Morrisville: Intersection of VT Routes 100 and 12St. Johnsbury: Outside Post Office, 1153 Main St.Newport: Outside Goodrich Public Library, 202 Main St.Barre: Mr Z’s Pizza - 379 N Main St.Vergennes: Intersection of Route 7/Monkton Rd (near Kinney Drugs Shopping Center)Rutland: Aubuchon Hardware, 172 S Main St.Brattleboro: GOP Office (near Subway)White River Junction: Intersection of Routes 5 and 14 (near Maple St Branch of Mascoma Savings Bank)Springfield: GOP Office, 11 Main St.Randolph: McDonalds, off I-89 Exit 4, 1869 VT Route 66Bennington: Intersection of Routes 7 and 7A (near Staples)
Saturday, October 309:00 a.m. “Get Out the Vote” Kickoff, Dubie Headquarters - 4540 Williston Rd., Williston10:45 a.m. Barre Rally, City Hall Park, 1 Washington St., Barre11:30 a.m. Sign Wave, Bucknam Law Associates, 1097 Main St., St. Johnsbury 2:15 p.m. Bradford Rally, Farmway, 286 Waits River Rd., Bradford4:00 p.m. Bethel Rally, Breaking Grounds Coffee, 245 Main St., Bethel5:45 p.m. Rutland Halloween Parade, Volunteer Line-up, GOP Office, 51 Merchants Row, Rutland
Sunday, October 3110:00 a.m. Derby Rally, Derby Shortstop, 4486 US Highway 5, Derby11:00 a.m. Island Pond Rally, Hobo’s Restaurant (formerly Jennifer’s), 18 Cross St., Island Pond12:00 p.m. St. Johnsbury Rally and Phone Bank, Caledonia County GOP Office, 1229 Portland St., St. Johnsbury2:00 p.m. Stowe Rally, Shed Restaurant, 1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe4:30 p.m. Taft Corners Sign Wave, Outside 99 Restaurant, 299 N. Williston Rd., Williston
Monday, November 17:45 a.m. Five Corners Sign Wave, 1 Park St, Essex Junction8:45 a.m. North Hero Rally, Hero’s Welcome, 3537 US Route 2, North Hero12:00 p.m. St. Albans Rally, Franklin County GOP Office, 52 North Main St., St. Albans5:30 p.m. Final Approach Finale, Champlain Valley Fair Grounds/Miller Building, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 28, 2010
Shumlin says he will not close Vermont Yankee
Shumlin’s honesty, trust once again called into question
Essex Junction - We know we can’t trust Peter Shumlin, and now it appears even Peter Shumlin’s most ardent supporters have to question whether they can trust him either.
Noting Peter Shumlin’s ability “to convince everyone on all sides of the issue that he’s on their side,” published reports say Shumlin met privately with a dozen community and business leaders, assuring them he would not close Vermont Yankee if elected Governor – a secret deal aimed at earning their support. One of those people told the Vermont Tiger website that Shumlin said he would support relicensing Vermont Yankee if Entergy did not own the plant: “So then, someone asked him, ‘Well, why aren’t you saying that in the campaign?’ And Peter answered, basically, without answering.”
Peter Shumlin has made closing Vermont Yankee a cornerstone of his campaign. He has repeated this promise in interviews, advertising and debates throughout his campaign.
“This is a hard story, however, for the average voter to swallow. Most of us, in fact, will choke on the on the secrecy and dealmaking,” Vermont Tiger wrote.
Such secret deal-making violates a pledge of transparency Peter Shumlin has made to the voters of Vermont: “I believe that Vermonters have a right to know, in fact, they need to know what their government is up to,” he told the Burlington Free Press (10/5). In fact, in endorsing Peter Shumlin, the Burlington Free Press wrote, “Shumlin has pledged to run an open administration…. This is the only way to run state government, the only way elected officials can be held accountable. Openness is the most important promise to Vermonters the next governor must keep” (10/24).
“The fact that Peter Shumlin conducts business through backroom deals while claiming to promote transparency is dishonest and inappropriate,” Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie said. “As Governor, I’ll be honest and trustworthy and there will be no secret, backroom deals. I make that promise to the people of Vermont because that is what they expect and deserve. Public trust should never be jeopardized.”
This is not the first time Peter Shumlin has told different stories to different people. He originally tried to sell a $40 million cut in the Corrections Dept. to balance the state budget to Vermonters, but when pressed by the Vermont State Employees Association, he told VSEA President Bob Hooper that there would be no cuts to Corrections.
As State Sen. Dick McCormack (D-Windsor) said about Peter Shumlin, “Just make sure you've parsed every word. The promise he makes may not be the promise you thought he made. There were times when I did not read the fine print. I won't make that mistake again” (Seven Days, 6/23/10).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 27, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Peter Shumlin
to come clean on relationship with donor
Essex Junction - In a desperate effort to distract Vermonters from Peter Shumlin’s long history of poor judgment, Shumlin’s allies on Tuesday sent a letter to Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign, asking it to remove a charge from the website www.shumlinsethics.com that details the relationship between Peter Shumlin and his largest donor.
This letter, included below, was sent by an attorney representing the founder of the Green Mountain Future PAC, which has sponsored nearly $500,000 worth of negative ads directed against Brian Dubie. This is only further proof that Peter Shumlin and his allies will do anything to avoid the real issues in this campaign and speaks to his complete lack of judgment regarding conflicts of interest.
At issue is Peter Shumlin’s appointment of his largest campaign donor, David Blittersdorf, to a state board, a position in which he wrote policies that determined the distribution of state tax credits. Blittersdorf’s companies received $4.3 million in these tax credits, more than 60% of the $7 million available to all applicants. Blittersdorf gave Peter Shumlin $8,000 in campaign contributions and founded a political action committee, the Green Mountain Future PAC, that has been running negative ads against Dubie on behalf of Peter Shumlin. Blittersdorf gave $20,000 to this PAC and is its only individual contributor.
As reported in Tuesday’s Burlington Free Press, “Green Mountain Future, a nonprofit formed by renewable energy developer David Blittersdorf, has received $513,000 from the Democratic Governors Association and spent $444,263 on ads in support of Shumlin and against Dubie.”
As his former Democratic colleague, then-Sen. Cheryl Rivers, testified in federal court, Peter Shumlin has said his Senate votes are influenced by campaign contributions (AP, 5/18/2000).
The Dubie campaign on Wednesday called on Peter Shumlin to hold a press conference to publicly detail the ongoing nature of his relationship with David Blittersdorf.
“Leaders must exercise good judgment in order to earn the trust of Vermonters,” Dubie said. “Leaders have a responsibility to lead. Peter Shumlin should have given the donations back as requested. I believe the public must have trust that people will be treated fairly under the law.”
As the St. Albans Messenger said in Tuesday’s editorial, “Mr. Shumlin’s negative ads against Vermont Yankee and Brian Dubie have been funded in no small part by renewable energy developer David Blittersdorf, an ardent Vermont Yankee foe. Mr. Blittersdorf has received $513,000 from the Democratic Governor’s Association and has spent $444,263 through his non-profit Green Mountain Future group to defeat Mr. Dubie. Mr. Blittersdorf is the individual who received $4.3 million in tax credits from the Clean Energy Development Fund while serving on the fund’s board. Mr. Shumlin appointed him to that board. Now we have that same Vermonter spending almost $500,000 on Mr. Shumlin’s behalf because he knows he would again benefit if Mr. Shumlin were elected. Talk about being bought. Is Vermont for sale? Are our policies for sale? Is this the sort of tainted governorship we want?”
View the letter here: http://briandubie.com/images/uploads/Blittersdorf.pdf
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 27, 2010
Small businesses speak out for Dubie
Essex Junction - More than two dozen small business owners joined Lt. Gov. Dubie for a discussion on how his 10-point Jobs Plan will help their companies grow.
“We need to cut taxes and red tape – that’s the biggest way for the state can give all companies the opportunities to keep more of what they earn,” Dubie said. “But we also need a more comprehensive approach to job creation, using every tool we have in our tool box. As Governor, I will pursue new innovations that will help companies grow and expand programs like the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive and the Vermont Economic Development Authority to make sure more businesses can take advantage of initiatives proven to work.”
New England Chimney Supply, which hosted the meeting, qualified for the VEGI program and VEDA funding and currently employs 12 people less than a year into operation. “It was a great process and we had a ton of support,” owner Pierre Simard said. “We got equipment loans through VEDA with aggressive interest rates, and VEGI helped me to hire more people. When we were making the decision on where to locate our business, this support added to the viability of locating in Vermont instead of another state.”
Grzywna Construction, Omni Medical Systems, Huber & Suhner, FabTech Inc. and Aviatron were among the small businesses represented.
“Every Vermont businessperson knows that the best way to grow their business is to get their existing customers to become better and bigger customers,” Dubie said in his Jobs Plan. “The same is true for job creation: if we can get existing businesses – large and small – to expand in Vermont, that can be more effective than trying to get new firms to relocate. As Governor, I will make a special effort to take care of Vermont’s existing employers, making sure they get the support they need to thrive.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 27, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Small businesses speak out for Dubie
Dubie to discuss how 10-point jobs plan will help Vermont businesses grow
Essex Junction - More than two dozen small business owners will discuss how the strategies Lt. Gov. Dubie has proposed in his 10-point Jobs Plan will help their companies grow. Among Dubie's proposals: helping businesses access capital by expanding the Vermont Economic Development Authority’s lending programs and eliminating the cap on awards distributed through the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive.
New England Chimney Supply, which is hosting the meeting, qualified for the VEGI program and VEDA funding and currently employs 12 people less than a year into operation.
“Every Vermont businessperson knows that the best way to grow their business is to get their existing customers to become better and bigger customers,” Dubie said in his Jobs Plan. “The same is true for job creation: if we can get existing businesses – large and small – to expand in Vermont, that can be more effective than trying to get new firms to relocate. As Governor, I will make a special effort to take care of Vermont’s existing employers, making sure they get the support they need to thrive.”
Who: More than two dozen small business owners and Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie
What: Press conference to discuss strategies for job growth
When: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27
Where: New England Chimney Supply, 280 Commerce Street, Williston
Directions: Exit 12 off 1-89, toward Taft Corners, left onto Williston Road, left on to Commerce Street.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 26, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Small businesses speak out for Dubie
Dubie to discuss how 10-point jobs plan will help Vermont businesses grow
Essex Junction - More than two dozen small business owners will discuss how the strategies Lt. Gov. Dubie has proposed in his 10-point Jobs Plan will help their companies grow. Among Dubie's proposals: helping businesses access capital by expanding the Vermont Economic Development Authority’s lending programs and eliminating the cap on awards distributed through the Vermont Economic Growth Initiative.
New England Chimney Supply, which is hosting the meeting, qualified for the VEGI program and VEDA funding and currently employs 12 people less than a year into operation.
“Every Vermont businessperson knows that the best way to grow their business is to get their existing customers to become better and bigger customers,” Dubie said in his Jobs Plan. “The same is true for job creation: if we can get existing businesses – large and small – to expand in Vermont, that can be more effective than trying to get new firms to relocate. As Governor, I will make a special effort to take care of Vermont’s existing employers, making sure they get the support they need to thrive.”
Who: More than two dozen small business owners and Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie
What: Press conference to discuss strategies for job growth
When: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27
Where: New England Chimney Supply, 280 Commerce Street, Williston
Directions: Exit 12 off 1-89, toward Taft Corners, left onto Williston Road, left on to Commerce Street.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 26, 2010
Farmers, Lt. Gov. Dubie promote
innovation, technology in growth of agriculture
Essex Junction - More than a dozen Vermont farmers on Tuesday joined Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie in support of his strategies for strengthening the state’s agricultural industry.
“Agriculture and in particular our dairy farms are critical to Vermont’s identity and landscape, but they must have state support to evolve and thrive,” Dubie said. “New technology and innovation such as agritourism, specialty products, and even cow power are helping farmers diversify their revenue streams. But we must also aggressively pursue a system in which farmers get a fair price for their milk. I have pursued this as Lieutenant Governor, and it will be a top priority as Governor.”
As part of his 10-point plan for job growth and economic expansion, Dubie has promoted farms as the economic engine of rural Vermont but notes the engine is sputtering because of a broken federal milk pricing system. As Governor, he has vowed to find a regional solution, continuing initiatives he began as Lieutenant Governor.
“Brian Dubie has demonstrated leadership in agriculture for many years,” said Bill Rowell, owner of Green Mountain Dairy Farm in Sheldon. “He sponsored a resolution through the National Lieutenant Governors’ Association in support of fixing the dairy pricing crisis. He was the first to come forward and identify our dilemma at the national level by distributing his resolution through the halls of Congress and every statehouse across the nation. Last year, I was making $10.50 per hundredweight. I was doing better than that in 1970. We can’t get 1970 prices while paying 2010 costs. Brian Dubie has been a leader on this issue and I trust him to help.”
Dubie is also committed helping farmers protect their bottom lines through diversification, including value-added food products, “cow power” and the use of methane digesters. He will also increase marketing of Made in Vermont products and promote Vermont’s “green” brand. While agricultural initiatives like Farm-to-Plate have shown success in supporting our food economy, there is more we must do to open markets and build supply chains for farmers. According to recent estimates, more than 30% of Vermont companies are related to the food economy. As Governor, Dubie will promote partnerships with organizations like the UVM Extension Service and the University of Vermont’s Spires of Excellence, which focus on food systems to improve Vermont’s agricultural infrastructure.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 25, 2010
Democratic Governors Association Chair & Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Peter Shumlin Talk Creative Economy, Broadband with Burlington Job Creators
BURLINGTON, Vt., -- Peter Shumlin was joined today by Democratic Governor’s Association Chair and Delaware Governor Jack Markell to highlight the importance of growing the ‘creative economy’ in Vermont. Shumlin and Markell met with Vermont small business owners, Linda Kelliher, Yoram Samets and Tim Volk. KSV is a leading job creator in Vermont, which focuses on creative and innovative marketing solutions for businesses around the country.
Peter Shumlin will give Vermont businesses like KSV the support they need to begin the economic recovery one job at a time. Shumlin is focused on taking health care costs off of employers backs, but also believes the failure of the current Administration to get broadband internet to every last mile in Vermont is hurting job creation in Vermont. Shumlin has proposed a public-private partnership to bring broadband to every last mile of Vermont by 2013.
“Vermonters can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines waiting for empty promises that never materialize,” said Shumlin. “Despite promises of job creation, nearly 12,000 private sector jobs have been lost during Dubie’s tenure. And despite promises of high-speed broadband delivered to every Vermonter by 2010, Vermont continues to lag behind many third world countries with almost 20 percent of Vermonters reliant on dial up.”
Governor Jack Markell understands technology is essential infrastructure for today's job creators. Markell began his career in the private sector helping lead the wireless technology revolution as the 13th employee at Nextel (a name he coined), where he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development. As governor of Delaware, Markell is widely recognized as a national jobs leader, and as Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, he is campaigning with candidates all over the country to promote their jobs plans.
“Peter Shumlin knows how to meet a payroll, and he is committed to the bold changes Vermont needs to lure employers and create high-paying jobs,” Markell said. “As a former Nextel executive, I am acutely aware of the technology infrastructure businesses need to thrive. Peter’s commitment to building that infrastructure in Vermont, and his vision for creating jobs across the state make him the right choice for governor.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 25, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and dairy farmers discuss
role of innovation, technology in growth of agriculture
Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and more than a dozen farmers
What: Press conference to discuss support for agriculture and how state support for innovation and technology can help farmers evolve and thrive
When: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 26
Where: Green Mountain Dairy Farm, Sheldon
Directions: From I-89, take exit 20 right onto Rte. 207 North, go 1/4 mile to turn right on Bushey Road; then go 2 and 1/2 miles to turn right onto Woods Hill Road. Travel 1/2 mile and turn left onto Morey Road. The farm is 1 mile up on the right, and you'll see the green rooftops from the road.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 25, 2010
Innovation, technology, entrepreneurship:
Lt. Gov. Dubie and business leaders
discuss strategies for job growth
Essex Junction - Vermont business owners Monday joined Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie in support of his strategies for economic growth and job creation.
“As Governor, I will have a laser focus on job creation,” Dubie said. “Everything I do as Governor will be viewed through the lens of whether it helps or hinders the growth of our economy. Innovation and technology offer tremendous opportunities for the growth of well-paying jobs. As Vermont emerges from this national recession, it will be to the credit of our small businesses and entrepreneurs who start their own small businesses or hire new employees. As Governor, I will give them the tools they need to succeed.”
“The use of technology is critical to increasing efficiency,” said Ethan Bechtel of MBA Health Group, a company that helps hospitals and medical practices implement electronic recordkeeping. “We see technology as a tool for driving better patient care and increasing efficiencies in health care. Brian Dubie has a good plan for keeping jobs in Vermont and keeping our young people in Vermont as we work to grow our company.”
As Governor, Brian Dubie will nurture growing high-tech clusters such as software development, captive insurance, biotechnology and research, nanotechnology, and renewable energy. He will increase support for the Small Business Development Corp. to help entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses and expand the Vermont Economic Development Authority to encourage technology lending. Among the tax policies Dubie has detailed are a research and development tax credit and a proposal to make royalties on patents tax-free.
“My opponent wants to talk about social issues to divide Vermonters and distract them from the fact that he has no plan to create jobs,” Dubie said. “I have a ten-point plan to create jobs. We can support our job creators with a tax policy that makes sense and a government that nurtures economic growth.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 25, 2010
New TV ad notes Dubie will unite Vermonters
toward economic growth; Shumlin using wedge issues
to divide Vermont
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign released its eighth television commercial Monday, a 30-second spot that promotes Dubie as a Governor who will unite Vermonters on the issues that matter most.
The ad notes Peter Shumlin is using negative ads on social issues to divide Vermonters and distract them from the fact that he has no plan to create jobs and has a history of raising taxes. While Peter Shumlin focuses on wedge issues, Brian Dubie is focused on jobs and the economy – the most important issue facing Vermoners.
“The truth is, Vermont’s economy is in crisis. We are losing jobs and we’re losing our young people,” Dubie says in the ad. “If you want someone who divides Vermont, I'm not your candidate. But if you want a governor who will bring people together to create jobs, then I'm your man.”
View the ad here: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/im_your_man
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 25, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and business owners discuss
role of innovation, technology in jobs of tomorrow
Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and business owners including Steve Arms, president of Microstrain; and Bob Willey, president of Vermont Systems, Inc.
What: Press conference on Lt. Gov. Dubie’s strategies for 21st century job growth – technology, innovation and entrepreneurship
When: Monday, October 25, 1:45 p.m.
Where: Vermont Systems, Inc. (VSI), 12 Market Place, Essex Junction
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 24, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and business owners discuss
role of innovation, technology in jobs of tomorrow
Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and business owners including Steve Arms, president of Microstrain; and Bob Willey, president of Vermont Systems, Inc.What: Press conference on Lt. Gov. Dubie’s strategies for 21st century job growth – technology, innovation and entrepreneurshipWhen: Monday, October 25, 1:45 p.m.Where: Vermont Systems, Inc. (VSI), 12 Market Place, Essex Junction
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 22, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Dubie supporters unite for pro-jobs rally
Essex Junction - While Peter Shumlin hosts a rally Sunday aimed at dividing Vermonters over social issues, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and his supporters will rally in support of job growth in Vermont. "I believe the most important social issue Vermonters face right now is whether or not they have a job,” Dubie said.
Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and 100+ supportersWhat: Pro-jobs rallyWhere: Battery Park, BurlingtonWhen: Sunday, October 24, 1:00 p.m.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 22, 2010
Dubie campaign asks Shumlin to apologize
for disrespecting fallen Marine, community
Essex Junction - During Tuesday night’s debate, Peter Shumlin said he has no regrets. Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie's campaign is asking Peter Shumlin whether he regrets the disgraceful behavior he exhibited during a funeral procession for a fallen Marine. Several people wrote letters to the editor of the St. Albans Messenger, the hometown newspaper of Lance Corporal Chuckie Rosa, noting they were offended Peter Shumlin would choose that time to look for votes (see below).
Bill Rowell helped raise Lance Corporal Rosa and considered him a son. “Peter Shumlin’s blatant disregard for a young Marine who gave his life for his country is appalling and is not the standard we expect of a candidate for governor,” Rowell said. “Peter Shumlin owes the entire family and community an apology. He should be ashamed of himself. It would be wrong to let this disdainful behavior go unnoticed.”
Letters to the Editor of the St. Albans Messenger
It was about LCPL Rosa, not politicsPublished: October 1, 2010 (Page 4A)
Today [Wednesday] we lined the streets of Swanton to honor LCPL Rosa, and our politicians were out in force, after all it is a campaign year, and they, too, wanted to pay their respects, but they should not have used it as an opportunity to campaign as Sarah Brannon-Kittell and Peter Shumlin did talking to individuals about raising the minimum wage and fighting for fair pay for all Vermonters including our daycare providers.
Today was about LCPL Rosa, not about launching campaign platforms. I am outraged, and those two individuals have lost my vote.
Outraged Patriot in Franklin County, Suzie Kelleher, Swanton
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Shumlin, Sara Show Poor Judgment
Published: October 4, 2010 (page 4A)
Wednesday afternoon I went to Ste. Marie's store in Swanton village to pay my respects as Lance Corporal Chuckie Rosa came through town. My wife works there part-time, and Chuckie used to work there with her. The whole community was devastated when this young hero, a Marine, lost his life in Afghanistan, and the whole community wanted to be there for the processional when he was brought home. Imagine my shock when Peter Shumlin and Sara Kittell come into the station and Sara began introducing Shumlin around.
I could already see the motorcycles leading the way and the procession was just about 300 feet away when Sara introduced Peter to me. He wanted to shake my hand, and I told him no, it was not the time for politics.
Others around even noticed what was happening. Here we were, waiting to pay our respects and show our support and they come through politicking. Ths was a day for Chuckie, not a day for Peter or Sara. I couldn't imagine someone would do that, but I'm sure they figured there would be a lot of people there.
It bothers me that people have the audacity to do such a thing. This was a somber moment. This was a day too important to be tarnished by politics, and I am upset Sara Kittell and Peter Shumlin didn't have the sense to show respect to a young man who died for our country.
Rene Bourdeau, Swanton
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Conduct of Kittell, Shumlin wrong
Published: October 6, 2010 (Page 4A)
The definition of servant-leadership, is the desire to serve first and then later develop the aspirations to lead. A good servant-leader is often a reluctant leader; one who steps forward to lead when the situation requires it. A servant-leader never seeks a title, a position or an adoring population. A servant-leader knows when it is time to step aside for others to carry on. Simply put, in order to be a great servant-leader, one has to possess the innate ability to put oneself in another's shoes. A servant-leader has empathy and an understanding for those they seek to lead.
I expected our Franklin County senators to be present as Swanton's young hero was brought home to his family. They should have been there representing the citizens of Franklin County, honoring this young man and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. The very fact that Sara Kittell chose this somber time to advance the political aspirations of Peter Shumlin and her political party showed clear disregard, if not downright disdain for the residents of Swanton and the entire Franklin County community.
I for one am astounded that Mrs. Kittell showed total lack of propriety for a state senator of her seniority. The total inability to understand the emotions of the community in their grief for a fallen son, brother and Franklin County resident indicates that Mrs. Kittell cares not for those she professes to lead. It is time for Mrs. Kittell to submit her resignation.
Sergeant Major (Retired) Robert Cormier, Franklin
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 22, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Peter Shumlin to prove it
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign on Friday challenged Peter Shumlin to prove which items on the website www.shumlinsethics.com are incorrect, pledging to remove any of the items that he proves to be wrong.
Peter Shumlin is complaining to his supporters on Facebook that the website, which outlines twelve of his ethical lapses, is “slanderous.” He does not say any of the allegations are false. All of the allegations are documented in Peter Shumlin’s own statements or in newspaper or television reports.
“Peter Shumlin is not a man of character, but will say or do anything to get elected,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “He uses words like lie, slander and bully, but time and again, when asked about this unethical behavior, he calls it a joke or distraction and refuses to talk about it. I challenge Peter Shumlin to disprove a single item on the website.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 21, 2010
Statement by Alex MacLean, Shumlin Campaign Manager Regarding Brian Dubie's Lack of Support for Women's Rights and His Campaign's Bullying Tactics
Burlington, Vt., - Brian Dubie does not support women’s reproductive rights. He does not believe a woman has a right to choose. He would overturn Roe v Wade. He is so extreme that he won’t even answer whether a woman who is raped or is the victim of incest has the right to choose to have an abortion. These are facts, and Vermonters have a right to know them. The Dubie campaign has fostered an environment of fear and hatred that has resulted in one of their campaign supporters bullying Peter Shumlin when he dressed up as an inmate with a fake swastika on his forearm. When Dubie's campaign manager sends out an email encouraging his supporters to show up "the same day, same city" as a Shumlin sponsored "women's rights" rally, one can only conclude that they are encouraging more of this type of behavior.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 21, 2010
Statement from Penny Dubie:
"Peter Shumlin has gone too far"
Essex Junction - Penny Dubie released the following statement Thursday in response to comments made by Peter Shumlin's campaign:
Peter Shumlin and his campaign have simply gone too far. There’s nothing wrong with disagreeing on the issues. However, Peter Shumlin is using fear to divide Vermonters, and that’s not acceptable.
To use words and phrases like “bullying women” or “Armageddon” to insinuate my husband does not respect women crosses a line of decency. I’ve been happily married to Brian for 25 years, we have raised four children together, and I think I know him better than anyone. My husband is the most caring, accepting, respectful person I have ever met. Peter Shumlin’s claim that my husband would “bully” anyone, especially women, is offensive and wrong.
At a time when so many of our young people are struggling with real bullying – in school, on the playground, and on the internet – using this kind of language is offensive. As a mother and a former public school teacher, I am especially sensitive to the real-life trauma bullying creates. Accusations of bullying should not be made for political gain. I’m disappointed Peter Shumlin would think otherwise.
Respectfully,
Penny Dubie
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 21, 2010
Dubie and Republican Allies Launch Negative, Personal Assault on Peter Shumlin
"We are committed 100 percent to running the most positive and strong campaign that this state has ever seen." - Brian Dubie
Burlington, Vt., - Despite the fact that Brian Dubie pledged to run a positive campaign, he and his Republican allies in Washington D.C. have waged a negative, personal assault on Peter Shumlin. Brian Dubie launched his campaign, stating, "We are committed 100 percent to running the most positive and strong campaign that this state has ever seen." Yet now in desperation to distract voters from his George W. Bush style tax giveaways and cold-hearted budgeting that puts the most vulnerable at risk, Brian Dubie has launched the most negative campaign that Vermont has ever seen. "In a continued effort to avoid the issues that really matter to Vermonters, Brian Dubie and his Republican allies in D.C. have launched television ads that lie about Peter's record and his plan to get Vermonters back to work," said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manager. "Brian Dubie and his Republican allies are desperate to distract voters from the fact that he intends to destroy the quality of our schools and harm our seniors in order to provide George W. Bush style tax giveaways to the wealthiest 1,400 Vermonters. In their attempt to distract voters, Brian Dubie and his Republican allies have stooped to a new low never before seen in Vermont - lying about Peter's record and his plan, attacking his character and his integrity and scaring Vermonters. This Republican smear campaign is not the Vermont way."Dubie Ad:Dubie Lie: Peter Shumlin's promises add up to almost $1 billion in spendingFact: This is completely false. Once again Dubie's campaign fails to cite this "fact" as there is no basis for this statement. In fact, in the legislative study that Dubie's campaign has referred to regarding single payer health care and "increasing taxes" the first paragraph states that with the implementation of a single payer system Vermont could cover ALL Vermonters for $50 million less than we are now spending in total. Dubie Lie: Peter Shumlin will release 800 prisoners earlyFact: Peter Shumlin has repeatedly said that he will not let prisoners out early. Peter's fiscally responsible plan is to put the services on the ground so that when non violent offenders have served their time they will receive the treatment they need and will be less likely to reoffend. Dubie Lie: Peter Shumlin will cut $40 million from correctionsFact: Peter Shumlin has never said that he will cut $40 million from the corrections budget. Peter's fiscally responsible corrections plan aims to save $40 million from the budget over a four year period by stopping the cycle of non-violent offenders reoffending. Dubie Lie: Act 60 Doubled Property TaxesFact: Act 60 reduced property taxes on Vermonters by $64 million in its first year alone. Dubie Smear: Peter Shumlin voted for $20 million in job cutting taxesFact: Peter Shumlin asked the wealthiest to pay a little more during an economic crisis so that Vermont's middle class families could receive tax cuts. Meanwhile, Brian Dubie supported a $100 million property tax increase on Vermont's middle class. Dubie Smear: Colleagues voted Shumlin the most ethically challenged politician in VermontFact: The Seven Days survey referred to in Dubie's ad is widely known to be an unscientific publicity stunt, with only 30 people, including lobbyists completing the survey and only 12 voting for Peter. In fact, in a recent survey, 85% of voters said that Brian Dubie was in fact the most ethically challenged. (http://www.vermontwatch.net/2010/10/poll-on-most-ethically-challenged-vt...)RGA ad: RGA Smear: Peter Shumlin tried to use his senate status to avoid a speeding ticketFact: Peter Shumlin received a speeding ticket and paid it promptly. The Dubie Campaign has paid Republican lawyers in DC that defended unethical congressional leaders to continue this smear campaign.RGA Lie: He testified that he's influenced by campaign donationsFact: Peter Shumlin never testified in any way to this outrageous claim. He has spoken passionately about the need to end special interest money in politics and led the fight for stricter campaign finance laws. Brian Dubie supported the governor's veto of restricting corporate campaign contributions. Dubie has take thousands of dollars from state vendors and was even given gifts from disgraced Entergy lobbyists, while Dubie defended the leaking nuclear plant for Entergy shareholders. RGA Lie: Peter Shumlin raised over $20 million in taxesFact: Brian Dubie's plan would have raised property tax rated by $100 million if Peter Shumlin didn't stop the proposal. Dubie cites the override of the governor's budget as a tax increase. But the Burlington Free Press corrected the record stating: "The bill lowered taxes for all five income brackets in 2009 and for four brackets in 2010."RGA Smear: Peter Shumlin doesn't live up to the oath of officeFact: Brian Dubie also took an oath as a Vermonter vote. He pledged to "do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any person." Brian Dubie's most recent advertisements show he has no conscience and is trying to make Vermonters afraid of Peter Shumlin with lies and smears.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 21, 2010
New website outlines Peter Shumlin’s ethical lapses
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign outlined Peter Shumlin’s most glaring ethical lapses Thursday in a new website, www.shumlinsethics.com.
Among them:
Questions about Peter Shumlin’s integrity emerged when he gave the Vermont State Police trooper his Senate ID instead of his driver’s license when he was pulled over for speeding, then suggested he could have a job working as his driver if he’s elected Governor.
That speeding ticket was later voided by the president of the Vermont Troopers’ Association, a union that endorsed Shumlin for Governor. Shumlin acknowledged having a conversation with the union president about “taking care of” the ticket. Though Shumlin claims the trooper was joking, it is clear by his actions he was not.
Peter Shumlin also claims to have been joking when he suggested to airport security four months after 9/11 that his traveling companion might have a shoe bomb.
Peter Shumlin appointed one of his largest campaign contributors to a state board, where he used his position to write policies that resulted in millions of dollars in tax breaks for himself and his companies.
A Senate colleague testified in federal court on a campaign finance reform law that Peter Shumlin would not support a food labeling bill because he was worried about losing campaign contributions. Then-Sen. Cheryl Rivers (D-Windsor) quoted Shumlin as saying, “We’ve already lost the drug money. I don’t need to lose the food manufacturers’ money too.”
“This website is not a joke or a distraction; it is a list of facts detailing Peter Shumlin’s history of inappropriate and unethical behavior,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin has shown time and again that he will say or do anything to get elected. He has repeatedly shown he cannot be trusted to do the right thing, that he will say one thing to one group and the opposite to another, and that he has a problem with honesty. Character and honesty are very important traits in any elected official. Vermonters want a leader they can trust to do the right thing.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 21, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Dubie to get “talk of the town” on statewide tour
Essex Junction - For generations Vermonters have gone to one place to get groceries, supplies, and the talk of the town – their local general store.
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will honor this tradition with visits to general stores across the state, a two-day trip called the “Talk of the Town” tour.
“I want to make Vermont the best place to grow a business,” Dubie said. “While my opponent wants to distract voters with social issues because he has no plan for creating jobs, I have a ten-point plan to attract jobs and grow the economy. Let’s honor businesses that have been the cornerstone of our communities for generations. Our general stores have had challenges over the years with increased competition, but they have evolved to remain an iconic part of Vermont.”
With less than two weeks until Election Day, the race for Governor is on everyone’s minds, and it’s a hot topic of conversation as people stop at the general stores for a cup of coffee and their morning newspaper. This tour will give Vermonters an opportunity to tell Dubie what else is on their minds – the local issues they want their next Governor to know about.
“As a teenager, I worked making deliveries for my grandfather’s company, McKenzie Meats,” Dubie said. “I went into every mom-and-pop general store in the state delivering meats through the back door. Now I’m going through the front door asking for votes.”
Thursday, October 21 (updated)
8:00-8:20 Dick Mazza’s General Store, Colchester
11:20-35 Dente’s Market, Barre City
11:45-12:00 Quality Market, Barre City
12:15-12:30 Graniteville General Store, East Barre
12:35-12:45 Trow Hill Grocery, Barre Town
1:00-1:15 Dudley’s, East Montpelier
2:00-2:15 Lucky Spot Variety, Richmond
2:45-3:00 Lantman's Best Yet Market IGA, Hinesburg
3:30-3:45 Airport Grocery, South Burlington
4:00-4:15 Pine Street Deli, Burlington
4:30-5:00 Mobil Short Stop, 1555 North Ave., Burlington
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 20, 2010
Dubie Demeans Women, Dubie Campaign Tries to Bully Women's Rights Rally
BURLINGTON VT., --Brian Dubie continued to avoid questions about the actions he will take as governor to limit the reproductive rights of Vermont women should he become governor. The Dubie campaign is trying to bully a rally in support of abortion rights and Peter Shumlin on Sunday by continuing their strong arm tactics seen recently at debate venues.During yesterday's WPTZ debate reporter Stewart Ledbetter asked Dubie if he would categorically deny that he would attempt to change abortion laws in Vermont should he become governor. Dubie refused to answer the question, but did respond with the following: "I'm going to talk about the issues that really matter to women.""Brian Dubie is so out of touch that he doesn't even understand that choice is an extremely important issue for women in Vermont," said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manager. "Peter Shumlin has a plan that helps the middle class and that includes hardworking women. Brian Dubie doesn't believe women are qualified to make personal and private choices about their health. Dubie's stance of opposing a woman's right to choose even in the case of rape and incest is out of step with every Republican officeholder inrecent memory. His response last night speaks volumes about his attitude towards the women of Vermont."In an email today, Dubie's campaign manager Corry Bliss continued to encourage Dubie supporters to be aggressive towards Shumlin and a planned rally of women in favor of abortion rights. Bliss wrote: "Peter recently announced an anti-Dubie "social issues" rally...we're coming too." The email encourages supporters to have their own rally "same day, same city." Just this Saturday Dubie supporters also showed up at a pro-Shumlin rally. One of the pro-Dubie supporters came dressed as a convict with a swastika prominently displayed on his arm."Dubie's campaign of fear and hatred encouraged a man to commit an act of hate speech against Peter Shumlin last week," MacLean said. "This week they are encouraging a rally against women's rights. These tactics, combined with his outrageous television campaign of lies and distortions should make Vermonters question whether Brian Dubie has the judgment to be governor of Vermont."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 20, 2010
New TV ad notes Shumlin is not telling truth
about how he’ll pay for campaign promises
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign released its seventh television commercial Wednesday, a 30-second spot called “Ethically Challenged.”
The ad notes that Peter Shumlin, who was voted Vermont’s “most ethically challenged” lawmaker, has not told the truth about how he’ll pay for the numerous promises he has made to curry votes on the campaign trail. Among Peter Shumlin’s promises – universal pre-K education, new programs for prisoners, and single-payer health care. The only cost-saving idea he has offered is a plan to save $40 million by emptying the prisons of 780 non-violent offenders – a proposal deemed reckless by Corrections Dept. officials and the mayors of Vermont communities most likely to absorb the population.
The ad also notes that although Peter Shumlin claims to support local control, as an architect of Act 60 he moved decisions about school spending from local communities to Montpelier. The law also caused property taxes to double from $450 million in 1998 to $900 million today. Despite his claims that he never raised taxes, the ad notes Peter Shumlin also led the Legislature’s charge to override the governor’s budget veto and impose its own budget that raised taxes by more than $20 million.
“Peter Shumlin doesn’t have a plan for Vermont, just a long list of empty promises,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin is not being honest with Vermonters. He will say or do anything to get elected. Peter Shumlin has only offered one idea for paying for all his programs – cutting $40 million from the Corrections Dept. by releasing 780 offenders – an idea that is simply dangerous.”
View the ad here: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/ethically_challenged
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 20, 2010
Peter Shumlin Pledges Strategic Shift in Economic Development; Focuses on Existing Small Businesses and 'One Job At a Time' RecoveryMontpelier, Vt., - Peter Shumlin today pledged a different approach to economic development than the one taken by his opponent, Brian Dubie. Peter will focus on Vermont’s existing small businesses first, providing the support they need to launch our economic recovery from the 79,000 small businesses each creating one job at a time.
“As a small business owner in Vermont, I can tell you from experience that the answer to growing our economy is right here in Vermont with our small businesses,” said Shumlin. “As Governor, I will focus on our existing small businesses to give them the support they need to create jobs. Unlike my opponent, who thinks Vermont’s economic problems can be solved by catering to corporations and taking overseas junkets, I know that the key to our economic success is right here in Vermont.”
Peter Shumlin took over a small travel business and turned it into a Vermont success story. He knows that the way to a speedy economic recovery is to concentrate on Vermont's existing businesses that are ready to expand. That’s why Shumlin will offer support to Vermont's small businesses by:
Working with the Vermont Economic Growth Incentive program to eliminate the ‘look back provision’ that prohibits companies to qualify if they have had employment reductions in the previous three years.
Using existing economic development funds more strategically to leverage new small business programs that partner local banks with federally backed Small Business Administration loans supported by Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch.
Focusing the Vermont Training Program on businesses with less than 50 employees first
Ending the hidden tax of health care paid by every employer by implementing single payer health care that contains costs.
The failed policies of the past eight years have left Vermonters either without jobs or struggling to pay mounting bills on stagnant incomes. Dubie’s plan to recycle the failed economic policies of George W. Bush will only result in more job losses, more jobs exported to Asia and more bankrupt small businesses.
Dubie plans to:
Give tax breaks to big corporations--putting them on equal footing with Vermont small businesses that will have to pay more through personal income
Continue the failed strategy of luring large, out-of-state corporations with tax giveaways without tying it to measured job creation
Continue the failed strategy of focusing on overseas junkets that have resulted in Vermont jobs, not Vermont products being exported
Implement a 2% cap on spending that would reduce funding to our Regional Development Corporations and the Vermont Training Program
Continue "status quo health care" that increases a hidden tax on Vermonters by $1 million a day
“Brian Dubie’s top down approach to economic development has resulted in the loss of nearly 12,000 Vermont jobs, with 6,200 to China in this decade,” Shumlin said. “Brian’s plan caters to large corporations, reduces investment in regional economic development in order to provide tax giveaways to the wealthiest 1,400 Vermonters and focuses on overseas junkets that in the past have resulted in the exportation of Vermont jobs, not Vermont products.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 20, 2010
Small business rejects Shumlin’s jobs plan,
tells him to hold his press conference someplace else
Essex Junction - Peter Shumlin’s attempt to build support for his jobs plan backfired, as the company at which he originally scheduled his press conference so wholeheartedly rejected his ideas that they asked him to hold his press conference someplace else.
The company was provided an advance copy of the press release Peter Shumlin’s campaign planned to distribute. After it turned down Peter Shumlin’s request, the company, which asked not to be identified, provided the press release to the Dubie campaign (see below).
“Peter Shumlin’s jobs plan is so laughable, when the company that was supposed to host his press conference yesterday found out what he was proposing, they canceled his appearance and sent him scrambling to find another location,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “When Peter Shumlin says his plan is ‘proactive,’ he must be referring to his plan to release 780 nonviolent offenders from prison and impose government-run health care. The fact is, his plan is reckless and he has repeatedly refused to articulate how he would pay for the dozens of new government programs he has promised to create. The reason Peter Shumlin is being dishonest about his wish list of empty promises is that he knows the only way to pay for them is to raise taxes on overtaxed Vermonters. He has done that before, and he will do it again. The more people hear about Peter Shumlin’s plans, the more they support Brian Dubie.”
Peter Shumlin's press release:
Contact: Alexandra MacLean 1-802-272-0443Shumlin Announces Proactive Plan for Job Growth in Vermont South Burlington VT, Peter Shumlin’s Vision for Vermont focuses on growing our existing small businesses and developing a 21st century workforce. Shumlin met today with business leaders at XXXXXXX to discuss what he will do to create the infrastructure for businesses to flourish in Vermont. The failed policies of the Douglas/Dubie administration have left Vermonters either without jobs or struggling to pay mounting bills on stagnant incomes. During the past eight years that the Douglas/Dubie administration has managed the state, Vermont has lost nearly 12,000 private sector jobs. “As Governor, I have a vision that looks beyond the short term planning of the Douglas/Dubie administration. There are significant steps my administration will take to support our small businesses and improve worker training programs – steps, which can be made quickly and at no additional expense.”“As a small business owner I can attest to the challenges employers are facing in the current economic climate. As Senate President I also know that small businesses are the economic lifeline in a small state like Vermont. In fact, small businesses employ roughly 90 percent of our workforce in Vermont,” stated Shumlin.The long recession has highlighted the challenges workers face in finding new jobs and the changing landscape of the types of jobs available. Unfortunately, many of those unemployed are finding that they don’t have the skills necessary for today’s jobs. Vermont cannot afford to continue the failed George W. Bush style policies of the past. “While my opponent would continue those policies, focusing on cutting regulations for out of state corporations and taking overseas junkets, which have resulted in outsourcing good Vermont jobs, as a small business owner I understand that the key to our success lies right here in Vermont with our existing small businesses. I would support our small businesses by helping them get credit, strengthen our workforce training programs and get health care off their backs. Furthermore, I will work with our secondary education institutions to strengthen career awareness education in our public schools and provide a renewed focus on technical education and school-to-work initiatives.”“Brian Dubie’s economic plan is to recycle the failed policies of previous Republican administrations. Brian wants a two percent hold on growth so that he can fund millions in tax giveaways for the wealthiest Vermonters. We’ve lived through the results of this George W. Bush type of irresponsible governing and it is called The Great Recession.”###
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 20, 2010
Shumlin: Do as I say, not as I do
“We have to get the money out of politics. We’ll pass real campaign finance reform to help get the money out of politics so average Vermonters make the decisions about their future.” – Peter Shumlin, WPTZ debate, 10/19
Peter Shumlin says he wants to get the money out of politics… but he has sunk more than $250,000 of his own money into his political campaign.
Peter Shumlin says he wants to pass campaign finance reform so average Vermonters make the decisions about their future… but average Vermonters do not have the personal wealth he does to self-finance their own campaigns, so only the wealthy would be able to run for office.
Peter Shumlin says he wants to get special interest money out of politics… but he has received thousands of dollars from special interests hoping to influence legislation. A former Democratic Senate colleague even testified in federal court that special interest money influences how Peter Shumlin votes.
Peter Shumlin says he objects to corporations influencing politics… but his largest campaign contributor, David Blittersdorf, is financing the Green Mountain Future political action committee, which has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars running attack ads against his opponent. Blittserdorf drew criticism last month when it was revealed he donated $8,000 to Shumlin’s campaign in exchange for an appointment to a board he used to secure $4.3 million in tax credits for his companies. Now it comes to light that Blittersdorf has spent at least $20,000 financing the very ads Peter Shumlin claims to condemn.
“Once again, Peter Shumlin is being dishonest,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin has shown repeatedly that he will say or do anything to get elected. Peter Shumlin says special interest money has no place in politics, but he traded corporate tax credits for campaign donations and traded a voided speeding ticket for promises he used to secure an endorsement. Peter Shumlin has such disregard for the truth, it’s hard to see how he could say these things with a straight face.”
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 20, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Dubie to get “talk of the town” on statewide tour
Essex Junction - For generations Vermonters have gone to one place to get groceries, supplies, and the talk of the town – their local general store.
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will honor this tradition with visits to general stores across the state, a two-day trip called the “Talk of the Town” tour.
“I want to make Vermont the best place to grow a business,” Dubie said. “While my opponent wants to distract voters with social issues because he has no plan for creating jobs, I have a ten-point plan to attract jobs and grow the economy. Let’s honor businesses that have been the cornerstone of our communities for generations. Our general stores have had challenges over the years with increased competition, but they have evolved to remain an iconic part of Vermont.”
With less than two weeks until Election Day, the race for Governor is on everyone’s minds, and it’s a hot topic of conversation as people stop at the general stores for a cup of coffee and their morning newspaper. This tour will give Vermonters an opportunity to tell Dubie what else is on their minds – the local issues they want their next Governor to know about.
“As a teenager, I worked making deliveries for my grandfather’s company, McKenzie Meats,” Dubie said. “I went into every mom-and-pop general store in the state delivering meats through the back door. Now I’m going through the front door asking for votes.”
Wednesday, October 20
7:45-8:00 Underhill County Store
8:15-8:45 Jericho Center Country Store
10:45-11:00 Shelburne Country Store
1:45-2:00 Irasville Country Store
2:15-2:30 The Warren Store
3:30-3:45 Watroba’s General Store, Brandon
4:30-4:45 Castleton General Store
5:30-5:45 West Addison General Store
Thursday, October 21
8:00-8:20 Dick Mazza’s General Store, Colchester
11:20-35 Dente’s Market, Barre City
11:45-12:00 Quality Market, Barre City
12:15-12:30 Graniteville General Store, East Barre
12:35-12:45 Trow Hill Grocery, Barre Town
1:00-1:15 Dudley’s, East Montpelier
2:15-2:30 Airport Grocery, South Burlington
3:00-3:15 Kountry Kart Deli, Burlington
3:45-4:00 Henry Street Deli & Market, Burlington
4:30-5:00 Mobil Short Stop, 1555 North Ave., Burlington
# # #
MEDIA ADVISORYOCTOBER 19, 2010
Peter Shumlin will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 20 to outline his approach to Vermont's economic recovery. Peter will pledge a different approach to economic development than the one taken by his opponent. While Brian Dubie's plan caters to large corporations and the wealthy, Peter's plan will focus on our existing small businesses, providing the support they need to launch our economic recovery one job at a time.What: Shumlin press conference regarding job creation When: Wednesday, October 20 at 11:30 am Where: Onion River Sports20 Langdon StreetMontpelier, Vermont
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 19, 2010
Peter Shumlin’s new game: Pay to play
Essex Junction - Once again, Peter Shumlin’s actions do not match his rhetoric.
In a shocking new twist, it was revealed Friday that Peter Shumlin’s largest campaign contributor, David Blittersdorf, is financing the Green Mountain Future political action committee, which has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars running attack ads against Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie. Blittserdorf drew criticism last month when it was revealed he donated $8,000 to Shumlin’s campaign in exchange for an appointment to a board he used to secure $4.3 million in tax credits for himself. Now it comes to light that Blittersdorf has spent at least $20,000 financing the very ads Peter Shumlin claims to condemn.
In an interview on Vermont Public Television, Peter Shumlin called a Supreme Court decision that protected such political advertising as free speech as “disastrous”:
“I think this is the worst decision for democracy probably in the history of the Supreme Court. What it means is that corporations can buy influence over politicians, even more influence than they have right now. … Now they’re going to be able to go on the air, do independent expenditures, quote-unquote, spend as much as they want for a particular candidate.” – Peter Shumlin, VPT, 2/4
“If David Blittersdorf was able to write himself $4.3 million in tax breaks in exchange for giving $8,000 to his campaign, we can only imagine what Peter Shumlin plans to do for him in exchange for his latest $20,000 contribution,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said.
As the St. Albans Messenger noted in an editorial this week: “No Vermont politician does a better job of telling people what they want to hear than Peter Shumlin. No one is slicker, no one is more adept at telling opposing sides of the same issue that he’s on both their sides. And he doesn’t blink an eye. For sheer political skill, you have to give him credit. He’s the master” (10/18).
“Once again, Peter Shumlin is not being honest,” Corry Bliss said. “It’s clear Peter Shumlin will say or do anything to get elected. Apparently there is no promise that is too great, no favor too large.”
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October, 18, 2010
Bernie Sanders and Peter Shumlin to Hold Old Fashioned Campaign Rallies Across Vermont
Public Events Planned for Burlington, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Rutland, Hardwick and Bristol
BURLINGTON, Vt., – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Peter Shumlin, the Democratic Party nominee for governor, will kick off a series of public campaign rallies across Vermont tomorrow. Sanders and Shumlin will host free public events in Burlington, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Rutland, Hardwick, and Bristol. Each event will include free music and food.
Senator Sanders, the longest-serving independent in congressional history said, "Thirty second TV ads are fine, but what’s more important is that people come on out, meet the candidate and get involved in grass-roots campaigning. These are tough times for Vermont and the nation. We need a governor who will help create decent paying jobs, lead the way for a Medicare-for-All single-payer health care system, transform Vermont's energy system, and protect women's rights. Peter Shumlin will be that Governor.”
Peter Shumlin welcomed the Senator’s support stating, “I very much appreciate Bernie's support and look forward to hitting the campaign trail with him to talk with Vermonters about the important issues facing working families. Even more importantly, as Vermont's governor I look forward to the opportunity of working with Senator Sanders to put Vermonters back to work, provide affordable, quality health care to all Vermonters and make Vermont a leader in the clean energy sector."
These campaign rallies are free and open to the public and are paid for by the Shumlin for Governor campaign.
Who: U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Peter Shumlin
What: Burlington Rally for Shumlin
When: 6pm dinner, 6:30pm rally, Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Where: Nectar’s Restaurant, 188 Main Street, Burlington
What: St. Albans Rally for Shumlin
When: 9:30am breakfast, 10am rally, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Where: St. Albans Historical Museum, 9 Church Street, St. Albans
What: St. Johnsbury Rally for Shumlin
When: 12:30 lunch, 1pm rally, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Where: VFW Post 793, 204 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury
What: Hardwick Rally for Shumlin
When: 3pm food served, 3:30pm rally, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Where: Hazen Union School, 126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick
What: Bristol Rally for Shumlin
When: 6pm dinner, 6:30pm rally, Sunday, October 24, 2010
Where: American Legion Post 19, 10 Airport Drive, Bristol
What: Montpelier Rally for Shumlin
When: 6pm dinner, 6:30pm rally, Monday, October 25, 2010
Where: Montpelier High School Cafeteria, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier
What: Rutland Rally for Shumlin
When: 6pm dinner, 6:30pm rally, Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Where: Unitarian Church, 117 West Street, Rutland
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 18, 2010
Vermont Police Association endorses
Brian Dubie for Governor
Essex Junction - The Vermont Police Association, which represents more than 800 police officers statewide and is by far the largest law enforcement group in Vermont, announced today it is endorsing Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie for Governor.
According to Capt. Scott Tucker of the Rutland Police Dept., the VPA endorsement is based on past legislative service and a survey sent to each candidate on issues important to the law enforcement community.
“Protecting public safety is the most important job of government,” Dubie said. “Vermont is one of the safest states in the country, and that’s not an accident – it’s thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement officers. Unlike my opponent, I will not pay for new government programs by slashing the Corrections Dept. budget and releasing non-violent criminals. Even though my opponent is now backpedaling on the promises he has been making for six months on the campaign trail, his plan is reckless and would put public safety at risk. We’re all going to have to work together to balance the state budget in these tough economic times, but as Governor, I will not balance the budget by endangering Vermonters. I will make sure the people charged with protecting us have the resources they need to do their jobs.”
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 18, 2010
Shumlin trades $28,000 in campaign donations
for $4.3 million in public tax credits
Documents show Shumlin puts special interests ahead of Vermonters
Question: What does $28,000 in campaign donations get you?
Answer: $4.3 million in state tax credits
Negative campaign ads attacking Brian Dubie and distorting his position on Vermont Yankee were financed in part by a Shumlin ally who has received millions of dollars in state tax credits and who would benefit financially from the closure of Vermont Yankee, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.
David Blittersdorf, who has donated $8,000 to Peter Shumlin’s gubernatorial campaign, is also the only individual contributor to Green Mountain Future, a political action committee associated with the Democratic Governors’ Association, which is financing attack ads against Brian Dubie. On Sept. 29, Blittersdorf gave $20,000 to Green Mountain Future, according to documents filed with the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. Last year, Blittersdorf was appointed by Peter Shumlin to the Clean Energy Development Fund, where he used his position to write policies that resulted in his companies receiving $4.3 million in state tax credits – a clear conflict of interest.
“This is a shocking level of corruption,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Once again, Peter Shumlin is not being honest. Trading more than $4 million in taxpayer money for campaign donations once again shows Peter Shumlin will say or do anything to get elected. We again call on Peter Shumlin to give back the $8,000 he received personally from David Blittersdorf and explain to the public what he promised him in exchange for his $28,000 in campaign contributions.”
View the documents here:
http://vtdigger.org/files/2010/10/greenmountainfutureirsdoc.pdf
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 18, 2010
Lt. Gov. Dubie to get “talk of the town” on statewide tour
Essex Junction - For generations Vermonters have gone to one place to get groceries, supplies, and the talk of the town – their local general store.
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will honor this tradition with visits to general stores across the state, a two-day trip called the “Talk of the Town” tour.
“I want to make Vermont the best place to grow a business,” Dubie said. “While my opponent wants to distract voters with social issues because he has no plan for creating jobs, I have a ten-point plan to attract jobs and grow the economy. Let’s honor businesses that have been the cornerstone of our communities for generations. Our general stores have had challenges over the years with increased competition, but they have evolved to remain an iconic part of Vermont.”
With just two weeks until Election Day, the race for Governor is on everyone’s minds, and it’s a hot topic of conversation as people stop at the general stores for a cup of coffee and their morning newspaper. This tour will give Vermonters an opportunity to tell Dubie what else is on their minds – the local issues they want their next Governor to know about.
“As a teenager, I worked making deliveries for my grandfather’s company, McKenzie Meats,” Dubie said. “I went into every mom-and-pop general store in the state delivering meats through the back door. Now I’m going through the front door asking for votes.”
Wednesday, October 20
7:45-8:00 Underhill County Store
8:15-8:45 Jericho Center Country Store
10:45-11:00 Shelburne Country Store
1:45-2:00 Irasville Country Store
2:15-2:30 The Warren Store
3:30-3:45 Watroba’s General Store, Brandon
4:30-4:45 Castleton General Store
5:30-5:45 West Addison General Store
Thursday, October 21
8:00-8:20 Dick Mazza’s General Store, Colchester
11:20-35 Dente’s Market, Barre City
11:45-12:00 Quality Market, Barre City
12:15-12:30 Graniteville General Store, East Barre
12:35-12:45 Trow Hill Grocery, Barre Town
1:00-1:15 Dudley’s, East Montpelier
2:15-2:30 Airport Grocery, South Burlington
3:00-3:15 Kountry Kart Deli, Burlington
3:45-4:00 Henry Street Deli & Market, Burlington
4:30-5:00 Mobil Short Stop, 1555 North Ave., Burlington
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 18, 2010
Shumlin violates campaign finance law:Campaign failed to report union’s payments
to troopers as in-kind donation
Dubie campaign calls on Attorney General, Secretary of State to investigate
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign on Monday called on the offices of the Attorney General and Secretary of State to investigate whether Peter Shumlin violated campaign finance laws by failing to report as campaign contributions the payments made to state troopers who attended the announcement of their union’s endorsement.
According to published reports, the Vermont Troopers Association’s president, Sgt. Mike O’Neil, said the union would compensate off-duty members for their attendance at the event. As reported in the Burlington Free Press on October 16, “O’Neil told members of his union’s executive committee that they could not be on duty if they attended the Sept. 22 news conference announcing the endorsement of Shumlin, but could be compensated if they appeared at the event. ‘It can not be in uniform on state time,’ O’Neil’s email said. ‘You could take a few hours off and get paid by the VTA.’”
News coverage of the endorsement shows at least ten union members standing with Peter Shumlin (WPTZ, Sept. 22).
The union members’ presence has a monetary value if they were paid to be there. Under Vermont campaign finance law (17 V.S.A. § 2801), payments of this kind constitute an in-kind contribution that must be reported to the Secretary of State’s office.
Peter Shumlin’s filing dated October 15 lists a $1,000 donation to his campaign from the VTA, but no in-kind contributions related to the Sept. 22 endorsement. Failure to report contributions is another violation of the state’s campaign finance law (17 V.S.A § 2803).
“We are calling on Peter Shumlin and Sgt. O’Neil to have a joint press conference to answer the many questions that continue to surround the voiding of Shumlin’s ticket and the endorsement of his candidacy,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “How many troopers were paid to attend the endorsement event? How much they were paid? Did other unions that endorsed Peter Shumlin pay its members to attend their announcements, and if so, how much were they paid? Peter Shumlin and Sgt. O’Neil need to come clean on this, and the Shumlin campaign needs to file an amended report with the Secretary of State’s office immediately. Once again, Peter Shumlin seems to think he can play by his own set of rules.”
Click here to see the letter submitted Monday morning to Attorney General Bill Sorrell and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz:
http://briandubie.com/images/uploads/Letter-to-AG.jpg
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 16, 2010
Dubie campaign reiterates call on Shumlin to come clean
Troopers’ union president paid members to attend endorsement announcement;Requests Shumlin hold press conference Monday to provide answers
Essex Junction - New evidence connected to the voiding of a speeding ticket given to Peter Shumlin raises more ethical questions about the state troopers’ union’s endorsement and promises Peter Shumlin may have made to receive it.
Emails published Saturday in the Burlington Free Press reveal the troopers’ union president asked that Peter Shumlin’s speeding ticket be dismissed, and later suggested a political endorsement of Shumlin could reap financial benefits for the union.
When Sgt. Mike O’Neil, the union president, learned a trooper had given Peter Shumlin a speeding ticket the night before, he responded in an email just two minutes later: “Why? Will he dismiss it? Tell him I’m asking.”
After the union endorsed Shumlin, Sgt. O’Neil defended the decision in an email to another trooper: “We are the worst-paid police agency in the Northeast,” O’Neil wrote in one of the emails. “Where have we gotten by staying out of politics."
Peter Shumlin has acknowledged having a conversation with Sgt. O’Neil about dismissing the speeding ticket, but insists they were joking. These emails indicate O’Neil was, in fact, not joking. In a letter published by local newspapers Friday, O’Neil confirms “that I was the trooper who requested that a speeding ticket issued to Peter Shumlin be voided.”
The documents also reveal the union offered to pay people to attend the press conference at which it announced its endorsement of Peter Shumlin.
“Revelations in these emails, combined with Peter Shumlin’s own admission that he had a discussion with Sgt. O’Neil about the speeding ticket, are undeniable proof Peter Shumlin was involved in voiding his ticket,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin admits they talked about fixing the ticket but says they were joking. It certainly does not appear they were joking. Again, we request that Peter Shumlin and Sgt. O’Neil hold a press conference Monday morning to come clean about what really happened and remove the ethical cloud hanging over Peter Shumlin’s head. ”
New evidence raises even more questions about the incident and the motivations behind them. How many troopers were paid and how much were they paid to attend the endorsement announcement? Peter Shumlin claimed his discussion with Sgt. O’Neil was about legislation – what legislation were they discussing a month after the legislative session ended? Who was the second trooper disciplined in this case? The Dubie campaign reiterated its call on Peter Shumlin and Sgt. O’Neil to hold a press conference Monday morning to provide the answers.
“Peter Shumlin has an ethical obligation to answer these questions,” Bliss said. “Fixing a ticket in exchange for an endorsement, joking to airport security about having a shoe bomb just months after 9/11, appointing your biggest campaign contributor to a board where he used his position to secure millions of dollars in tax credits for himself – the list goes on. These are not distractions from the issues, as Peter Shumlin likes to say, but insights into Peter Shumlin’s character and the type of behavior he thinks is acceptable. We are more than happy to discuss the issues and compare Brian Dubie’s ten-point plan to control spending and cut taxes to Peter Shumlin’s plan to cut Corrections by a third and raise taxes to enact government-run health care and a myriad of other new government programs. But Peter Shumlin still must be honest about what happened.”
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 15, 2010
Dubie campaign tops 5,000 donors,
raises $172,107 in last 30 days
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign reported Friday it has raised more than $172,000 in the past 30 days. To date, the campaign raised $1,358,998.85 from 5,152 donors.
In accordance with state law, details will be filed Friday afternoon with the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office. The Contribution and Expenditure Summary is included below.
“The energy behind this campaign is amazing,” Dubie said. “Vermonters are supporting my campaign because they see a clear difference between my opponent and me. I have a ten-point jobs plan that will control state spending and cut taxes and red tape to create jobs in Vermont. My opponent has no plan, just a list of empty promises with no way to pay for them. My opponent is doing everything he can to distract voters from the election’s most important issue, jobs and the economy. I have a plan to improve Vermont’s economy, and that is why more than 5,000 Vermonters have contributed to my campaign.”
To date, the campaign has spent $1,073,445.77 and has $231,030.40 in cash on hand.
Click here for a PDF of the report.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOCTOBER 15, 2010
Shumlin Campaign Raises Nearly $500,000 in Four Weeks
The Shumlin for Governor campaign today announced that it raised almost $500,000 in just one month. Since Peter Shumlin accepted the Democratic nomination, the campaign has seen an outpouring of financial support with almost 1,500 new contributors. In the last four weeks, the campaign has raised $490,091.19.
"Peter is honored to have the support of so many Vermonters," said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manager. "Vermonters across the state are embracing Peter's vision for a Vermont where we create good paying jobs, support our small businesses and rebuild our middle class." The campaign has $207,249.02 on hand to get Peter’s message of job creation, supporting our small businesses and rebuilding our middle class out to all Vermonters.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 15, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Shumlin and Sgt. O'Neil to come clean
“I believe that Vermonters have a right to know, in fact, they need to know what their government is up to.” -- Peter Shumlin, Burlington Free Press, October 5, 2010
Essex Junction - Upon learning that the state trooper behind the voiding of Peter Shumlin’s speeding ticket is the head of the Vermont State Police union that endorsed him, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign on Friday called on Peter Shumlin to hold a Monday morning press conference with Sgt. Mike O’Neil to explain what really happened and to remove the ethical cloud hanging over Peter Shumlin’s head.
“Although Sgt. O’Neil decided to come forward, there are still many questions that remain,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “What legislative business were they discussing when the issue of voiding the speeding ticket came up? Who was the other trooper who was disciplined? Peter Shumlin has given differing accounts of what happened. Vermonters have a right to know whether a candidate for Governor worked to have his speeding ticket voided in exchange for an endorsement. As Peter Shumlin insisted to the Burlington Free Press just last week, Vermonters need to know what their government is up to. Peter Shumlin and Sgt. O’Neil should stand together and explain what happened.”
The revelation that the head of the state trooper’s union was responsible for voiding Peter Shumlin’s speeding ticket is only the latest in a series of incidents that raise questions about Peter Shumlin’s ethical conduct. Among them:
When Peter Shumlin was pulled over for speeding, he showed a trooper his Senate ID instead of his driver’s license and suggested that trooper could have a job as his driver next year. That speeding ticket was later voided.
Peter Shumlin appointed his largest campaign donor to a state board, who used his position to secure millions of dollars in tax breaks for himself.
Peter Shumlin was detained at the Burlington Airport months after 9/11 for making a joke to airport security about having a shoe bomb.
Peter Shumlin dishonestly claimed he wanted to discuss health care policy with Lt. Gov. Dubie when he ambushed the Dubie campaign headquarters to stage a photo op 45 minutes before a scheduled debate.
“Peter Shumlin has shown time and again that he cannot be trusted to tell the truth,” Bliss said. “We ask that he come forward in the name of transparency to reveal the whole truth about his speeding ticket and the communication with the state trooper responsible for voiding it. Let’s clear the air so we can move on and discuss the issues that matter to voters.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 15, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Lt. Gov. Dubie discusses strategies for success &
10-point jobs plan with 25 women business owners
Essex Junction - As part of his two-day tour of women-owned small businesses, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie on Friday will host a roundtable luncheon at which participants will discuss the rewards and challenges of starting, running and expanding a business. More than two dozen women will share their experiences and ideas about how Vermont’s next Governor can help them succeed.
“The State should offer lower interest rates and more creative financial support for entrepreneurial ventures,” said Jen Mincar, owner of Mincar Consulting, an IT project management business, and Office Squared, a co-working space in Burlington.
“My business does best when the economy is doing well,” said Tracy Stolese, owner of Arabesque, a boutique in Shelburne. “I sell gifts and home décor, not necessities, so I depend on people having disposable income and feeling confident in the economy.”
Lt. Gov. Dubie will discuss how his ten-point plan will help the economy expand and help businesses grow by cutting taxes and letting entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn.
Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and 25 women business ownersWhat: Roundtable discussion and luncheonWhere: Office Squared, 106 Main Street, BurlingtonWhen: 12:00 noon, October 15
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 15, 2010
VPR poll shows Dubie ahead of Shumlin; 16-point lead among independent voters
Essex Junction - A poll released Friday by Vermont Public Radio shows Brian Dubie ahead of Peter Shumlin, and most importantly, shows that Brian Dubie holds a commanding 16-point lead among independent voters.
The VPR poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.
“We could not be happier with how this campaign is going,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Vermonters see a clear choice between Brian Dubie’s vision to cut taxes and protect Vermont families and Peter Shumlin’s vision to raise taxes and endanger Vermonters by cutting a third out of the Corrections budget. We’ve knocked on over 75,000 doors, we have over 10,000 fans on Facebook, and over 5,000 Vermonters have contributed to the campaign. Our momentum grows daily. And while the only poll that matters is the one taken on Election Day, it is encouraging to see independent voters are overwhelmingly supporting Brian Dubie over Peter Shumlin. This proves Brian Dubie has the vision to get Vermont’s economy back on track.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 14, 2010
Shumlin breaks own promise to run positive campaign
Essex Junction - Considering Peter Shumlin still won’t present a jobs plan that will work, won’t say how his health care proposal adds up, and won’t say how he’ll pay for his wish list of new government programs, it’s not surprising Peter Shumlin is desperate to distract voters from the most important issue in this election – jobs and the economy.
Last week, in response to complaints, Peter Shumlin apologized for running negative ads and promised he would run a positive campaign moving forward. That promise did not last 24 hours, as Peter Shumlin has since released two new negative ads attacking Brian Dubie.
“It is no surprise Helen Riehle would support Peter Shumlin, considering she served with him for years in Montpelier,” Dubie spokeswoman Kate Duffy said. “It’s also no surprise Peter Shumlin would ignore his own promise to run a positive campaign. Judging by his latest stunts, it is obvious Peter Shumlin has no plan to get Vermont’s economy back on track and will stop at nothing to deflect attention away from his failed proposals. Yesterday, Peter Shumlin made a desperate attempt to grab attention by ambushing our campaign headquarters. That childish prank failed, so now he’s trying a new strategy, the politics of division.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 14, 2010
New TV commercial highlights Democrats for Dubie
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign released its sixth television commercial Thursday, a 30-second spot called “Democrats for Dubie.”
“I’m a Democrat, but I’m a Vermonter first,” Enosburg Falls resident Suzanne Parent says in the ad.
"I'm a Democrat and I'm voting for Brian," says George Clain, former labor liaison for the Vermont Democratic Party and member of its executive committee.
“The last thing Brian cares about is what party I belong to,” Marty Manahan, the Democratic Mayor of St. Albans, says in the ad. “He cares about our community and the state of Vermont.”
“Vermonters are concerned about jobs and the economy and public safety, and those issues cut across party lines,” Dubie said. “My message is not a Republican or a Democratic message. As I have traveled the state, I have heard from people at all ends of the political spectrum who are supporting my campaign. While my opponent looks for wedge issues to drive Vermonters apart, my goal is to bring people together.”
View the ad here: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/democrats_for_dubie
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 14, 2010
Burlington, Vt – The Shumlin campaign released its fourth television ad of the general election today. The ad, A Lot, highlights Brian Dubie’s stance on women’s abortion rights.
“A woman’s right to choose is an issue that Peter Shumlin and Brian Dubie are starkly divided on,” said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manager. “Brian Dubie thinks that abortion should be illegal. Peter Shumlin is 100% pro-choice and will work tirelessly as governor to protect women’s rights. Brian has said repeatedly during this campaign that the issue of abortion doesn’t matter because it is settled law. That statement is an insult to the women of Vermont. In the past year alone, 18 states have passed laws restricting a woman’s right to choose. In addition, if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned the question of abortion would undoubtedly land on the next governor’s desk. Brian Dubie has made it clear that he would sign bills restricting a woman’s right to choose. That is not the Vermont way.”
The ad can be seen here: http://www.shumlinforgovernor.com/a-lot/
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 13, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Dubie launches tour of women-owned businessesTwo-day tour spotlights 10-point jobs plan & fastest-growing business sector
Essex Junction - In celebration of October as Women’s Small Business Month, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will honor America’s fastest-growing business sector, women-owned small businesses, during a two-day tour.
During more than a dozen visits on Thursday, October 14, and Friday, October 15, Dubie will listen to business owners' ideas and discuss how they can benefit from the growth strategies he outlines in his ten-point jobs plan.
Businesses on the tour that are open to press are listed below. Press is also welcome to attend a roundtable luncheon at noon on Friday, at which 25 women will discuss the joys and challenges of running their own business and the steps Vermont’s next Governor can take to help them succeed.
Between 1997 and 2007, the number of businesses owned by women grew by 44% – twice as fast as businesses owned by men, according to the most recent national data from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Women owned 7.8 million businesses in 2007, accounting for almost 30% of all privately held companies. Women-owned businesses also added 500,000 jobs while other privately held companies lost jobs.
Thursday, October 14
9:30-10:00 Trading Post for Little Folks, 1 Market Place #23, Essex
10:15-10:45 Speeder & Earl’s Coffee, 412 Pine Street, Burlington
11:45-12:10 Rehab Gym, 30 Hawthorne Street, Williston
2:15-2:35 Center Bakery & Café/Vermont Cake Studio, 2007 Guptil Road, Waterbury
2:40-3:00 Chilla’s Coiffures, 80 South Main Street, Waterbury
3:35-3:45 Simply Delicious & Bag Ladies Café, 56 Depot Square, Barre
5:15-5:30 Renaissance Fine Jewelry, 141 Main Street, Brattleboro
Friday, October 15
10:15-10:35 Arabesque, 5597 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
10:55-11:40 Altogether Interiors, 11 Maple Street, #11, Essex Junction
12:00-1:00 Roundtable lunch, Office Squared, 106 Main Street, Burlington
3:30-4:00 Handy Toyota, 39 South Main Street, St. Albans
4:15- 4:45 Howard’s Flower Shop, 81 North Main Street, St Albans
4:45-5:15 RSVP Stationers, 72 North Main Street, St. Albans
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 13, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Shumlin to repay taxpayers for costs of AG investigation
Essex Junction - In an effort to distract voters from his own long list of ethical missteps, Peter Shumlin and his Democratic Party allies filed a wholly unwarranted complaint against the Friends of Brian Dubie campaign. Upon a thorough investigation into the facts, the Attorney General of Vermont concluded the complaint was unwarranted and dismissed the complaint.
“The filing of this complaint was a misuse of public resources," Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. "We are calling on Peter Shumlin to report to the citizens of Vermont how much time, resources and money his false complaint wasted so he can refund the exact amount to the taxpayers of Vermont. Peter Shumlin is a multimillionaire who uses his personal wealth to finance his own campaign, so surely he has the money to repay the taxpayers for what they spent on his failed attempt to deflect attention from his own ethical misconduct and the real issues of the campaign. There are serious issues to be addressed in this campaign; it's a shame Peter Shumlin would rather spend his time making jokes and playing games.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct 13, 2010
Brian Dubie the Anti-Local Control Governor
BURLINGTON--Brian Dubie today reaffirmed his commitment to a mandatory cap on education spending set by Montpelier and enforced on local communities. In a debate at the offices of the Burlington Free Press, Dubie said he would also reduce the roughly $300 million in state aide to communities which would force local communities to raise property taxes. Dubie has said his goal for shrinking government would be a $250 million tax break for the 1,400 wealthiest Vermonters.
"Brian Dubie wants to change Vermont's tradition of local government controlling local decisions. Today, he said that he would support mandatory caps on education spending by making that decision in Montpelier. That is just not the Vermont way," said Alex MacLean, Shumlin for Governor campaign manager. "I'm from Peacham, Vermont and I do not want Montpelier forcing decisions and eliminating the powerful town meeting process in Peacham or any other town."
Brian Dubie also said education is the largest area of the budget he would cut if he were governor. Dubie said the roughly $300 million committed to the education fund needs to be reduced. Dubie said that his plan to shrink government with a 2 percent mandatory cap is actually just a placeholder to "start a conversation with the (Vermont) legislature."
"Every dollar Vermont reduces in education funding means a new property tax increase for middle class families. The property tax is the most regressive tax and Brian Dubie would shift costs to middle class homeowners that cannot afford more tax increases," MacLean said. "Peter Shumlin fought against the plan Brian Dubie supported that would have raised property taxes across Vermont. Brian Dubie says he is in favor of local control, but his agenda describes the exact opposite. Peter Shumlin stated today without caveats that he is in favor of continuing Vermont's tradition of local control."
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For Immediate Release
October 13, 2010
Shumlin Introduces Dubie to Vermont Business Leaders Who Support Single Payer Health Care
Williston, Vt - At last week’s Vermont Public Television debate Brian Dubie said, "I have not met a businessperson yet who says if we enact a single-payer health care system in Vermont that it is going to be a boon for business." Today, Peter Shumlin introduced Brian Dubie to Vermont business leaders who explained that skyrocketing health care cost in Vermont are handicapping their businesses and expressed their support for Shumlin’s plan.
Vermont business leaders, including; Sheila & Jeff Hollender of Seventh Generation, Don Mayer of Small Dog Electronics, Paul Ralston of Vermont Coffee Company, Donna Carpenter of Burton, Jerry Greenberg, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Don Schramm of Data Systems, Russ Bennett of NorthLand Construction, Paul Millman of Chroma Technology, Melinda Moulton of Main Street Landing, John Wall of Wall Goldfinger, Will Rapp of Gardeners Supply, Paul Lafayette of Lafayette Painting, Wayne Senville of Champlain Planning Press Inc. and Peter Mallary of It’s Classified support Peter’s vision for reforming Vermont’s health care system. In fact, Don Mayer, Paul Lafayette, Melinda Moulton, Don Schramm, Peter Mallary and Wayne Seville joined Peter at Brian Dubie’s campaign headquarters to introduce themselves to Brian Dubie and let him know about the crushing burden of health care costs on their businesses.
Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation stated, “Getting health care off the back of employers is one of the most important things we can do to get back on the path of prosperity and economic health.” Donna Carpenter of Burton concurred, “At Burton, our competitors are based in countries that are not responsible for their employees’ health care costs. Even though the economy is starting to turn around health care costs make it difficult to think about hiring new employees in Vermont.”
Health care costs in Vermont have more than doubled to $5 billion annually since 2002 when the Douglas/Dubie administration was elected. Shumlin stated, “Removing the responsibility of health care coverage from employers in Vermont will unleash the largest economic development program in our state’s history.”
“Brian Dubie’s claims are further evidence of how out-of-touch he is with the challenges facing working Vermonters,” said Shumlin. “My brother and I spent $110,000 last year to provide health insurance for our employees at our small business, Putney Student Travel. When Brian was asked what his family pays for health insurance, he couldn’t answer. This is not a question that Vermont business owners can afford to be ignorant on.”
In a recent poll of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, 84 percent of the 263 respondents reported that health care should be publically financed. Furthermore, the cost of health was identified by the greatest number of respondents as being a major obstacle to the success of their business. Barbara Nolfi and Don Schramm of Data Systems agreed, “It is difficult to compete when we are competing against companies from countries that are not financially responsible for their employees health care.”
Paul Ralston of Vermont Coffee Company concurred, “We must do everything we can to simplify the health care system. We must make it more efficient, reduce overhead and create portability for people so they aren’t stuck in a job they don’t like just because it has a health insurance plan. Like Peter, I believe a single-payer option will accomplish these things.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 13, 2010
Lt. Gov. Dubie calls Shumlin’s latest stunt “childish”
Essex Junction - Peter Shumlin’s latest stunt, showing up at Dubie campaign headquarters unannounced and with a handful of supporters and members of the media, is nothing more than a feeble attempt to resurrect a state-run health care plan already exposed as dishonest and ignoring federal law.
Shumlin, flanked by a dozen reporters, photographers and business executives, ambushed the Dubie campaign headquarters at 11:15 Wednesday, less than an hour before they were expected for a debate, claiming he wanted to have a conversation about health care.
“Peter Shumlin says people perceive him as a slick politician, and this is exactly why,” Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie said. “Inviting reporters along while he shows up at my office, wearing a microphone and grandstanding for the cameras, only proves Peter Shumlin is desperate for attention.”
Welcomed to the office by Dubie campaign staff and volunteers, Peter Shumlin was reminded that his plan had already been rejected as dishonest. The St. Albans Messenger said Shumlin “isn’t being honest with Vermonters” (9/22). Shumlin’s primary opponent, Doug Racine, called it “empty promises,” noting his proposal was unrealistic because it had no credible funding mechanisms (Times Argus, 8/8). Shumlin was also reminded he was not being honest when he claimed the average Vermont family of four currently pays $32,000 a year for health care coverage; and he was not being honest when he claimed Vermont could get a waiver for state-run health care, something specifically banned by federal law until 2017.
“If Peter Shumlin wanted to have an honest, open dialogue, as he claims, he would have waited 30 minutes and brought it up at today’s debate,” Dubie said. “I can only assume this is another one of Peter Shumlin’s games. He jokes to state troopers about voiding his speeding ticket. He jokes to airport security about having a shoe bomb just months after 9/11. And now he is playing childish games to get attention. We are running for a serious office, and Vermont feaces serious issues. Hopefully, at some point Peter Shumlin will stop with the jokes and join me in a serious conversation.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 13, 2010
Shumlin’s Latest “Concrete” Proposals Turn to Quicksand
Essex Junction - After his initial promises to save the state money through a government-run health care system and cuts to the Corrections Dept. were exposed as unrealistic, Peter Shumlin’s latest proposals are proving just as weak, saving just a fraction of what he promised.
“I have put out three concrete proposals that I intend to work on, as Governor, with the Legislature to help reduce spending.” – Peter Shumlin, 10/6
Peter’s promise: Trim 10% from $250 million in outside contracts through performance-based contracts. This will save $25 million in general funds.
Fact: The $250 million number is “all funds” – not just general funds, but federal funds, too. The state share of those contracts is at most 40%, but likely less than 30% based on FY2010 actual numbers. This puts savings at between $7.5-10 million instead of $25 million as promised.
Fact: The Legislature is already looking for money in performance contracts through Challenges for Change. The FY2012 performance contracting target for Challenges is a 10% reduction in contract costs for $7.8 million. Is Peter Shumlin proposing an additional 10% reduction on top of an already aggressive goal?
Peter’s promise: Go after independent contracts (i.e., contractors that do the work of state employees).
Fact: These contracts are the same contracts Peter Shumlin is referencing above. Does he propose to further pare down these services on top of the 10% Challenges target and his additional 10% goal?
Fact: Further, since these contracts are actually work that needs to be done, Peter Shumlin needs to net out any cost that will be incurred by hiring new employees to do that work. Remember to add health care, benefits and pension costs for each new employee.
Fact: There is no indication these contracts could be done less expensively in-house. Most contracts are bid out because it’s cost-prohibitive to do the work internally.
Peter’s promise: Eliminate state communications jobs in the name of “transparency.”
Fact: Excluding the Governor’s press secretary, there is only ONE exempt, non-union communications position. That salary is $61,000; with benefits, the savings from eliminating this job would be approximately $80,000.
Fact: If Peter means ALL communications positions, the savings increase to as much as $500,000, but that would include seven VSEA union members, whose jobs Peter Shumlin promised to protect.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 12, 2010
Vermont Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers Endorses Peter Shumlin
Brattleboro, Vt—The National Association of Social workers, Vermont Chapter (NASW VT), today endorsed Senate President Peter Shumlin for governor. Past Director of NASW VT Jane Burgess made the announcement at a press conference in downtown Brattleboro.
“We are supporting Peter because of his record of getting tough things done,” said Burgess, Licsw, Psychotherapist. “Peter’s vision to enact a single payer health care system, focus on early childhood education, and his innovative ideas to address our budgetary issues while better serving Vermonters through our state programs is what our state needs in its next governor.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by this diverse group of social work professionals,” said Senator Shumlin. “These are the people on the front lines, fighting to reduce recidivism in our prisons and strengthening our communities through their efforts in our schools and health care institutions. NASW VT understands the clear choice Vermonters have in this election. Unlike the current Douglas/Dubie administration, I will listen to those on the front lines and bring people together to solve our state’s challenges.”
NASW VT, is an organization of 550 Vermont social workers with representation from all areas of the field including, medical, school, home health care, and clinical social work.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 12, 2010
Shumlin flunks history in new ad on school spending
Essex Junction - Peter Shumlin would get an F in history for his failure to remember the facts on school spending. In a new TV ad emailed to supporters, Shumlin claims he will protect middle class taxpayers and preserve local control in education, though his own record could not be further from these promises.
Fact: As an architect and proud supporter of Act 60, Peter Shumlin helped erode local control by severing the link between property taxes and school budgets.
Fact: Since Act 60, property taxes have more than doubled from under $450 million to over $900 million today.
Fact: The state General Fund will contribute nearly $300 million (nearly a third of the Fund) to the Education Fund.
Fact: The growth in school spending is crushing property tax payers – homeowners, small businesses and working families – and sapping resources from other priorities of government, like the health care and human services.
“Once again, Peter Shumlin is being dishonest,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin has not only blocked reform efforts in recent years, he has no plan to address the rising property taxes that are killing job growth. Peter Shumlin would maintain the unsustainable status quo of higher taxes, while standing in the way of meaningful reforms that would make it more affordable for families to live, work and send their children to school in Vermont. Again, Peter Shumlin is distorting the truth for political gain. So much for his promise to run a positive campaign.”
“I’m gonna run a really positive campaign. We’re cutting three ads, that’s where I’m going next.” – Peter Shumlin, 10/7
“We wonder if his next two ads will back up his promise to run a positive campaign,” Bliss said, “or if this promise, too, will be broken.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 10, 2010
Shumlin Campaign Calls on Dubie to Identify Cuts Needed to Give Tax Cuts to the 1,400 Wealthiest Vermonters
Burlington, Vt – Peter Shumlin’s campaign today called on Brian Dubie to identify the cuts in services needed to fulfill his plan of capping spending at 2% and giving tax breaks to the 1,400 wealthiest Vermonters. Brian Dubie’s proposal doesn’t go into effect until 2013, which would mean the spending cap and tax cuts would be in addition to the $112 million worth of reductions that need to be made in FY11.
“It is clear that Brian Dubie has never written, built or managed a state budget as his proposal just doesn’t add up,” said Alex MacLean, campaign manager. “The only way to make such a proposal work is to make draconian cuts to vital services. Cutting vital services in order to give tax cuts to the wealthiest is just not the Vermont way. If Brian Dubie is going to promise tax giveaways to the wealthy, Vermonters deserve to know how he is going to pay for it.”
Since making the proposal Brian Dubie has failed to name one area of the budget that would be cut and has in fact only named areas that would be held harmless – corrections and children’s health care.
A list of services that would need to be cut in order to achieve Brian Dubie’s plan is below.
Health care for middle class and low income Vermonters
Pharmaceuticals for seniors
Services for area on aging programs that allow seniors to stay in their homes
Services for drug and alcohol prevention and treatment
Emergency mental health services
Services for blind and disabled
Travel and tourism
Regional economic development and planning commissions
Adult education and literacy
Fish and wildlife
Inspection of restaurants and slaughterhouses
Paving maintenance
Bridge maintenance
Grants to communities for pay for roads
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 12, 2010
Lt. Gov. Dubie announces tour to celebrate fastest-growing business sector
Tour of women-owned small businesses will highlight 10-point jobs plan
Essex Junction - In recognition of October as Women’s Small Business Month, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie this week will celebrate America’s fastest-growing business sector, women-owned small businesses.
“As we work to create jobs and revitalize Vermont’s economy, we have to support the entrepreneurs who are investing in our communities,” Dubie said. “Women, in particular, are investing in their communities at a growing rate, sharing their knowledge and talents through businesses of their own. As Governor, I will encourage this growth through my ten-point jobs plan and make sure all businesses have the tools they need to succeed."
Between 1997 and 2007, the number of businesses owned by women grew by 44% – twice as fast as businesses owned by men, according to the most recent national data from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Women owned 7.8 million businesses in 2007, accounting for almost 30% of all privately held companies. Women-owned businesses also added 500,000 jobs while other privately held companies lost jobs.
“Women entrepreneurs are well positioned to start or expand businesses in Vermont,” Dubie said. “There are already resources to help them access capital, find mentors, and take advantage of networking opportunities. My ten-point plan will ensure state government helps them as well, by serving as a partner – not an adversary – to our job creators.”
October is recognized as Women’s Small Business Month. Last week, the White House hosted a Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference to highlight solutions necessary to advance the women’s business agenda. In a statement, White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett said, “As we continue on the path to recovery, women-owned businesses will play an essential role in growing the economy and putting Americans back to work. At the same time, women-owned businesses have their own unique set of challenges and we must find the best way to solve these problems.”
“I agree with the White House that women play an increasingly important role in creating jobs,” Dubie said. “All business owners – women and men – are concerned about high taxes and excessive government regulations that hinder their growth and their abilities to increase sales and hire more workers. My ten-point plan will help Vermont’s small business owners through programs that help existing businesses and start-ups and a tax policy that supports innovation.”
Lt. Gov. Dubie will visit more than a dozen small businesses owned by women on Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15. He will convene a roundtable discussion and lunch at noon on Friday at Office Squared, a co-working space for freelancers and entrepreneurs owned by Jen Mincar. Press is welcome to attend. A detailed schedule will follow.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOCTOBER 12, 2010
Burlington, Vt - The Shumlin campaign today released its third general election television ad. The ad, Different Pictures, has Peter back in front of the whiteboard drawing a contrast between Brian's plan for Vermont and his own.
"Brian's plan to cap school funding from Montpelier will decimate local control and destroy the quality of our schools in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest 1,400 Vermonters," said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manger. "Brian's plan is just not the Vermont way."Watch the ad here: http://www.shumlinforgovernor.com/category/video/
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 2010
Shumlin Lays Out Proactive Plan to Avoid Further Disaster at Vermont Yankee and Hold Entergy Louisiana Accountable
Burlington, Vt – Peter Shumlin today called on Entergy Louisiana to take immediate steps to avoid further disaster at Vermont Yankee.
On Friday, October 8, Vermonters learned that radioactive tritium had been detected in a former drinking-water well. Detection of tritium in this well is a potential indication that the radioactive isotope has migrated to a deep underground aquifer.
“I have been saying for some time that the radioactive leaks at Vermont Yankee could be the largest man-made environmental crisis that Vermont has ever seen,” said Shumlin. “Unless Entergy Louisiana is held accountable for this disaster, it could cost Vermonters millions of dollars and put the health and safety of thousands at risk. Entergy Louisiana needs to take immediate steps to ensure that this crisis does not worsen.”
Shumlin called on Entergy Louisiana to install more extraction pumps and continue to run them in order to halt the tritium from moving down the aquifer. Two states - New Jersey and Illinois managed to avoid disaster by being legally proactive and through litigation, forced the owners of their nuclear power plants to extract the contaminated water from the soil. The situation at Vermont Yankee could be even more dangerous than the leaks experienced in New Jersey and Illinois, as Vermont Yankee is not only leaking tritium but Strontium and Cesium as well. Both strontium and cesium are water soluble radioactive isotopes.
“Unlike my opponent, who has a long record of tolerating Entergy Louisiana’s leaks and lies, I have always put the safety and health of Vermonters first and will continue to do so as governor. In what initially appeared to be a conversion, three weeks before the election, Dubie said he demanded answers from Vermont Yankee, but when pressed admitted he didn't have any specific questions for them. The time for empty political grandstanding has passed. After years of being an apologist for Entergy Louisiana, Brian just can't be trusted to stand up to them and stand up for Vermont.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 11, 2010
Show me the money: Dubie campaign again calls on Peter Shumlin to identify how he’ll pay for promises
Essex Junction - As Peter Shumlin admits his proposals for single-payer health care will not achieve the savings he has promised for at least four years, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign once again asked Peter Shumlin to identify how he will pay for all the new government programs he has promised on the campaign trail.
To pass single-payer, the state would need a special waiver from the federal government. Shumlin says he's confident Vermont would get the waiver and says implementing single-payer would take about four years. So he's not counting on immediate savings (WCAX, 9/28).
“Peter Shumlin has no plan for health care, just wishful thinking,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “He is making empty promises about a single-payer health care system in Vermont while criticizing the federal law Vermont’s congressional delegation fought so hard to achieve. Peter Shumlin’s ideas for health care reform won’t be possible under federal law until at least 2014 and will not achieve the savings he has promised. How, then, will he pay for everything else he has promised?”
“I won’t make promises I can’t keep. …No false promises, I will deliver” (Peter Shumlin, WDEV debate, 9/17).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 11, 2010
Shumlin tells supporters of federal health care law to vote for Brian Dubie
Essex Junction - During last week’s gubernatorial debate on Vermont Public Television, Peter Shumlin encouraged supporters of the federal health care legislation to vote for Brian Dubie.
Peter Shumlin: “The question for Vermonters is, do you believe the federal bill will help you out? If so, then go with Brian.”
There are some Vermonters who do believe that the federal health care bill will help them. In fact, they voted for it....
Rep. Peter Welch: “Vermont families, seniors and businesses will immediately benefit from health care reform legislation,” Welch said. “This year, Vermont families will be protected from insurance discrimination and will be able to keep young adults on their plans. This year, Vermont seniors will receive support for prescription drugs as the Medicare donut hole begins to close. And this year, Vermont's small businesses will receive tax credits to help them provide coverage to their employees.”
(http://www.welch.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=906..., March 30, 2010)
Sen. Patrick Leahy: “This is the dawn of a new day of hope for tens of millions of Americans who have fallen through the cracks – or who worry with good reason that they may fall through the cracks -- of our broken health insurance system. The signing into law of comprehensive health insurance reform by President Barack Obama is a defining moment in our history, ranking with the creation of Social Security and Medicare.”
(http://leahy.senate.gov/press/press_releases/release/?id=186264d4-78ea-4..., March 23, 2010)
Sen. Bernie Sanders: “We will be doubling the number of Americans with access to community health centers from 20 million to 40 million nationwide in every region of this country,” Sanders said. “That is a huge step forward in providing basic health care to millions of Americans who today cannot access that care.” (http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=c3cdb663-1abb-4a5f-8609-4d44..., March 25, 2010)
Peter Shumlin is out of touch.
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MEDIA ADVISORYOCTOBER 11, 2010Burlington, Vt - Peter Shumlin will hold a press conference, tomorrow, Monday October 12 regarding the latest situation at Vermont Yankee. On Friday, October 8, news broke that tritium was found in a former drinking water-well at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. At tomorrow's press conference, Peter will highlight his record on Vermont Yankee, express his concern with his opponent's record of putting the interests of Entergy Louisiana before the interests of Vermonters and lay out his plan for dealing with what could likely be the largest environmental disaster in Vermont's history. The press conference will be held at the Shumlin campaign headquarters at noon.
What: Peter Shumlin to hold press conference regarding Vermont YankeeWhen: Monday, October 12 at noonWhere: Shumlin Campaign Headquarters: Suite 307, One Main St, Burlington
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOCTOBER 8, 2010Statement by Peter Shumlin Regarding Vermont Yankee's Latest Leak
"I have been saying for a long time that the crisis at Vermont Yankee is going to be both costly and devastating for those who live near the plant. How many leaks and lies does Brian Dubie have to live through before he will stand up for the people of Vermont instead of the stockholders of Entergy Louisiana? We need a governor who gets it right the first time and has the courage to stand up to corporate power when it is wrong."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 8, 2010
Lt. Gov. Dubie demands answers from VY
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie issued the following statement in response to today's news regarding Vermont Yankee:
I am extremely troubled by the latest reports from Vermont Yankee.
I've always said that the health and safety of Vermonters comes first. Today's discovery demonstrates the plant has much more work to do in order to regain the trust and confidence of Vermonters. Until questions are answered and public health can be assured, I cannot support the plant's continued operations past 2012.
I will not rely on answers from plant management about this discovery. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Vermont Department of Health must prove the plant poses no health risk to Vermonters before I will be satisfied.
As I have said on many occasions, science, not politics, must dictate policy. I commit to the people of Vermont that I will listen to those who are qualified to make the determination on safety and make decisions based on facts.
The employees of Vermont Yankee are some of the smartest and most dedicated I've ever met. The plant is a important employer and supplier of energy. But we will never sacrifice the health and safety of Vermonters for anything.
I am calling on plant management to be open and forthright with information about the latest discovery. Questions must be answered. Trust must be rebuilt.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 8, 2010
Lt. Gov. Dubie endorsed by Vermont Sheriffs’ Assn.
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie was endorsed Friday by the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association, which cited his leadership and support for public safety as reasons for their support.
“Sheriffs have been faced with difficult challenges and through his actions Lt. Gov. Dubie has always demonstrated his support,” Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux said. “Dubie has demonstrated his leadership as the chair of the Governor’s Homeland Security Council, which focuses on terrorism security as well as various public safety issues. Dubie has also been a staunch supporter of building Vermont’s interoperable communications network for first responders.”
The Sheriffs’ Association also noted Lt. Gov. Dubie has supported them on legislative issues related to law enforcement.
“Public safety is the number one job of government,” Dubie said. “As a father of four, I want to assure the parents of Vermont that I will do everything in my power to ensure our kids grow up in safe communities. Vermont is one of the safest states in the country, and that’s not an accident – it’s thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement officers. Unlike my opponent, I will not pay for new government programs by slashing the Corrections Dept. budget and releasing non-violent criminals. We’re all going to have to work together to balance the state budget in these tough economic times, but as Governor, I will not balance the budget by endangering Vermonters. I will make sure the people charged with protecting us have the resources they need to do their jobs.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 8, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Peter Shumlin to live up to his promises
Essex Junction - Twenty-four hours after Peter Shumlin promised to run a positive campaign and pull a TV commercial that distorts both Brian Dubie’s record and his face, the ad continues to air on television stations across Vermont. TV stations reported Thursday Peter Shumlin has not pulled the ad, which will, in fact, continue its full scheduled run.
“I’m gonna take down that little Pinocchio ad. We thought it was kinda funny, but apparently people didn’t laugh. We’re gonna run a positive campaign. If you didn’t think it was funny, I apologize.” – Peter Shumlin, 10/7
“Once again, Peter Shumlin is saying one thing and doing exactly the opposite,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “He says he is going to run a positive campaign and take down an ad he apologized for creating, but it is clear he is doing neither. People can see right through his claims. If Peter Shumlin can’t live up to such simple promises, how can anyone trust he would live up to the many campaign promises he has made?”
The Dubie campaign on Friday also reiterated its call on Peter Shumlin to stand up for the transparency in government he says he supports by revealing which state trooper he joked with about "taking care of" his speeding ticket.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 8, 2010
Dubie campaign asks Shumlin to fill out chart detailing promises for new government programs
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign on Friday called on Peter Shumlin to identify how he will pay for the massive expansion of new government programs he has promised on the campaign trail.“As usual, Peter Shumlin is talking out of both sides of his mouth – promising dozens of new government programs without saying how he’ll pay for them,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “These will only increase state spending and create even bigger tax burdens on Vermonters. Many are worthy goals, but without a way to pay for them, they are nothing more than a wish list of new government programs. Even Peter Shumlin’s primary opponent, Doug Racine, called them ‘empty promises.’” Peter Shumlin has already backed off the two areas he promised would provide the most savings, government-run health care and cutting the Corrections budget by $40 million. Now he denies he ever said he would cut Corrections and can’t articulate how or when Vermont would see any savings from single-payer health care. In light of these failed promises, Peter Shumlin is now promising the budget savings will come from re-examining state contracts and eliminating communications jobs in state government.Peter Shumlin has promised he would not raise taxes and insists none of his proposals would cost any new money. “There is not a proposal I have made to create jobs and get Vermonters back to work that is going to cost more money” (Peter Shumlin, VPR debate, 9/15). “It’s time for Peter Shumlin to be honest with Vermont taxpayers and explain how he’ll pay for the campaign promises he’s made,” Bliss said. For his convenience, the Dubie campaign has compiled Peter Shumlin's promises into a chart he can fill in to identify the cost of his programs and how he’ll pay for them.“I won’t make promises I can’t keep. …No false promises, I will deliver.” (Peter Shumlin, WDEV debate, 9/17).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 7, 2010
In new TV commercial, Douglas says Dubie is choice for leadership, integrity, balance
Essex Junction - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign released its fifth television commercial Thursday, a 30-second ad that features Gov. Jim Douglas explaining why Dubie is the right choice to be Vermont’s next Governor.
“Let’s face it; we can’t have the fox guarding the hen house,” Gov. Douglas says in the commercial. “We need balance in Montpelier. When the legislature raised taxes that would hurt families and small businesses, Brian Dubie and I stood up to them. When the legislature spent beyond on our means, we fought back. Brian Dubie has the skill to bring people together, but knows how to take a stand when the legislature goes too far. Leadership, integrity, and balance – that’s why Brian Dubie should be our next Governor.”
View the ad here:
http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/governor_douglas_we_need...
“Vermont faces tremendous fiscal challenges, and we need to control government spending – not let it run rampant,” Dubie said. “When my opponent led the charge to override the budget veto last year and raise taxes by more than $20 million, we saw a sneak preview of what a Shumlin Administration would look like. Vermonters can’t afford any more taxes coming from Montpelier. We need to maintain a system of checks and balances to make sure all of Vermont’s voices are heard, and make sure our government represents everyone. My style of leadership is based on collaboration, listening to all perspectives, respecting different viewpoints, and finding common ground.”
Gov. Douglas and Lt. Gov. Dubie will travel the state in an RV this weekend, making eight stops over two days in the “Pure Leadership Tour.” The schedule, as previously announced:
Saturday, October 9:
9:15-9:45 Williston Kickoff -- Dubie for Governor HQ, 4540 Williston Rd.
12:15-12:45 Barre Rally -- City Hall Park, 1 Washington Street
2:00-2:30 St. Johnsbury Rally -- Welcome Center, 61 Depot Square
4:00-4:30 Bethel Rally -- Band Shell, 135 Church Street
Sunday, October 10
12:00-12:30 Rutland Rally -- Depot Park, 25 Merchants Row
1:30-2:00 Manchester Rally -- Town Green, 25 Depot Street
3:45-4:15 Vergennes Rally -- City Park, 175 Main Street
5:00-5:30 BBQ Finale -- Dubie for Governor HQ, 4540 Williston Rd.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 7, 2010
Shumlin admits to running negative campaign
Essex Junction - During a forum sponsored by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns on Thursday, Peter Shumlin admitted to running a negative campaign and promised to pull an ad that attacks Lt. Gov. Dubie’s character and distorts his face.
“I’m gonna take down that little Pinocchio ad,” Shumlin said. “We thought it was kinda funny, but apparently people didn’t laugh. We’re gonna run a positive campaign. If you didn’t think it was funny, I apologize. I just thought I should do Pinocchio before they did it to me.”
“For all the time Peter Shumlin has spent complaining about the tone of the race, he is admitting he is running a negative campaign that has gone too far,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Once again, Peter Shumlin is apologizing for his poor sense of humor. First he claimed he was joking when he spoke to a state trooper about taking care of his speeding ticket; then we learned he was joking about having a shoe bomb at the security checkpoint at the Burlington Airport just months after 9/11; and now we learn he thought attacking someone’s character and distorting their physical appearance was funny. We would never put up an ad that distorts someone’s face. We are running a serious campaign based on the serious issues facing Vermont."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 7, 2010
Brian Dubie Avoids Another Discussion About the Real Issues Facing Vermonters
Burlington, Vt – In what has become a part of Brian Dubie’s strategy to avoid the real issues facing Vermonters, Brian Dubie refused to attend this morning’s Vermont League of City and Towns (VLCT) debate. The VLCT invited both Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin to attend this morning’s debate to discuss the issues facing Vermont’s municipalities, yet Brian Dubie refused.
“Brian Dubie and his out of state Republican allies have gone to great lengths to avoid talking about the real issues facing Vermonters,” said Alex MacLean, Shumlin campaign manager. “Brian Dubie continues to wage a negative, smear campaign against Peter Shumlin in order to distract voters and avoid the issues.”
In addition to the VLCT debate, Brian Dubie has refused to engage in debates hosted by students and faculty at Fair Haven Union High School, Windham County Democrat and Republican Committees, and the National Lawyers Guild and Vermont Law School.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 7, 2010
Dubie campaign reiterates call for Shumlin to come clean, identify state trooper
“I tell it like it is. Over the years I have occasionally been criticized for being just a little too frank. That's OK with me. If I am going to take any flack I want it to be for telling Vermonters more, not less. I believe that Vermonters have a right to know, in fact, they need to know what their government is up to.” -- Peter Shumlin, Burlington Free Press, October 5, 2010
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie's campaign reiterated its call Thursday for Peter Shumlin to stand up for the transparency in government he claims to support by revealing which state trooper he joked with about "taking care of" his speeding ticket.
WCAX-TV reported Wednesday that the Shumlin campaign did not respond to its request for comment.
“If Peter Shumlin's phone worked when he had this conversation with the state trooper, it should work when a reporter calls to inquire about it," Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. "Once again, Peter Shumlin's actions do not match his words. He says 'Vermonters have a right to know, in fact, they need to know what their government is up to.' If he truly believes that, he should come clean and answer these questions. Who did Peter Shumlin talk to? If Peter Shumlin actually said it wouldn’t be good for his campaign if the ticket was voided, then why was the ticket voided? Why was Peter Shumlin talking to a state trooper about a legislative matter, as he claims, well after the legislative session ended?"
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 6, 2010
Peter Shumlin continues game of make-believe; Joins Lt. Gov. Dubie in promise not to cut Dr. Dynasaur
Essex Junction, VT - As Peter Shumlin’s proposals for government-run health care are exposed as dishonest and specifically banned by federal law, he is grasping for support by falsely claiming a children’s health care plan is at risk.
“Single-payer health care will not deliver the budget savings Peter Shumlin has promised, so he is distorting my plan with baseless claims intentionally designed to be inflammatory,” Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie said. “Peter Shumlin should just acknowledge he has no legitimate plan to reduce government spending to affordable levels and no way to pay for his ideas of an entirely government-run health care. He has backtracked on all of his proposals, and now, rather than offering even a general outline of what he'd cut to rein in spending, he's launching unfounded attacks on my plan.”
Federal health care legislation signed into law by Pres. Obama this year prevents states from seeking waivers for their own government-run health care system until 2017. A St. Albans Messenger editorial said Peter Shumlin’s claim he could achieve savings earlier than that “isn’t being honest with Vermonters” (9/22). During a press conference last week, Peter Shumlin admitted no budget savings would come for another four years (WCAX, 9/28).
“Peter Shumlin is desperate to change the subject and deflect attention from his own agenda of raising taxes and jeopardizing public safety by slashing the Corrections budget,” Dubie said. “As I have said in previous debates, I have already pledged that I will not cut Dr. Dynasaur, and I am glad Peter Shumlin is agreeing with me that this program should be protected. Peter Shumlin’s suggestion that I would do otherwise is simply something he is making up in an attempt to scare parents.”
Dr. Dynasaur has been protected from budget cuts by the current Administration, despite General Fund budget gaps of more than $150 million a year for each of the last two fiscal years. In fact, enrollment and expenses for children's insurance programs have continued to grow. The Administration did not propose any reductions to the program.
“I have consistently said I will build on the successes that have made Vermont the model for the nation in health care – having nearly all of our children insured, our chronic care initiative, and our ranking as the healthiest state in the nation for the last three years,” Dubie said. “Dr. Dynasaur is a cost-effective program to get kids the care they need early in life so that health problems don't develop at a young age. We chose to protect Dr. Dynasaur despite multiple rounds of budget cutting, and as Governor, I will continue to protect this important program to ensure kids have the care they need.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 6, 2010
Dubie campaign calls on Shumlin to "tell it like it is"
“I tell it like it is. Over the years I have occasionally been criticized for being just a little too frank. That's OK with me. If I am going to take any flack I want it to be for telling Vermonters more, not less. I believe that Vermonters have a right to know, in fact, they need to know what their government is up to.” -- Peter Shumlin, Burlington Free Press, October 5, 2010
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie's campaign agrees with Peter Shumlin's support of accountability and transparency in government. That’s why Peter Shumlin should release the name of the Vermont state trooper he spoke to about his speeding ticket that had the word "VOID" written across it.
“If Peter Shumlin really believes what he said about ‘telling Vermonters more, not less,’ then he will have no problem coming clean about who he spoke with regarding his speeding ticket,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “There are too many unanswered questions. If Peter Shumlin actually said it wouldn’t be good for his campaign if the ticket was voided, then why was the ticket voided? Why was Peter Shumlin talking to a state trooper about a legislative matter, as he claims, well after the legislative session ended? Judgment and accountability are important traits in a governor. Peter Shumlin should practice what he preaches."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 6, 2010
Shumlin Pledges to Keep All Vermont Kids Healthy; Highlights Dubie's Plan to Cut Dr. Dynasaur
Waterbury, Vt – Peter Shumlin stood with children and families at the Children's Early Learning Center in Waterbury today and committed to finish the job of ensuring every child in Vermont has health insurance. Shumlin's plan is a direct contrast to his opponent's plan to cut the popular Dr. Dynasaur program with mandatory caps in coverage.
Brian Dubie's proposed plan would result in major cuts to the children’s health care program resulting in roughly 455 children being deprived of health care during the first year of Brian’s plan, 910 in the second and 1,450 in the third. In all, 2,815 would be cut from Dr. Dynasaur
“Over the final four weeks of the campaign I will have a laser focus on the issues that Vermonters care about. I want to have an honest debate on the issues and I hope Brian Dubie will join me,” said Shumlin. “One area where we have a major disagreement is with Brian’s proposed cuts to children's health care. Brian Dubie’s plan to impose caps on coverage for kids would put the health of children at risk to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest 1,400 Vermonters. That is just not the Vermont way.”
Shumlin pledged Wednesday to finish the job he started with Governor Howard Dean to insure every child in Vermont through the State Children's Health Insurance Program called Dr. Dynasaur. According to the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration 3,600 Vermont children still lack access to basic health care insurance. 2,700 of those children are eligible but have not yet applied for coverage. 900 children do not qualify because their families do not meet income requirements.
Shumlin said the enrollment process set up by the current administration needs to change and, as governor, he would make sure every eligible child that needs care has it. The Douglas/Dubie administration contracts with a private firm from Virginia, Maximus, to handle outreach. Shumlin would improve the number of children insured by requiring our state workers to undertake outreach instead of contracting with a private, out of state firm. Shumlin called on Dubie to explain where other budget cuts would fall to meet his goals of 2 percent caps across the board and whether or not they would exempt children.
“Brian Dubie is out of touch with the needs of Vermonters,” said Shumlin. “Our children need health care more than the wealthiest need tax giveaways. As governor, I will balance the budget and make sure our kids have the health care they need and deserve.”
From the beginning, Peter, unlike so many politicians, has made it clear what he will get done,” said Amy Ligay executive director of the Children's Early Learning Center. “While other politicians support the current health insurance system, which leaves thousands of children and early educators without health care, Peter is clear he will provide affordable health insurance to all Vermonters.”
“Early educators, such as Amy, do invaluable work for our children and our future workforce,” Shumlin said. “It is imperative that we give our children the tools they need to succeed.”
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MEDIA ADVISORYOCTOBER 5, 2010Peter Shumlin will hold a press conference Wednesday, October 6 at the Children's Early Learning Center in Waterbury at 10:00 am. Shumlin will outline his plan to keep all Vermont kids healthy and contrast it with Brian Dubie's plan to make devastating cuts to the Dr. Dynasaur program with mandatory caps in coverage.
What: Shumlin press conference Where: Children's Early Learning Center 397 Main St, Waterbury (Directions below)
When: Wednesday, October 6 10:00 amDirections from Burlington: Take I89 SouthTake Exit 10 - WaterburyTurn Left at North Main StTurn Right at Winooski StTurn Left at River RdDirections from Montpelier: Take US-2 W for 8.8 milesTurn Left at 100-STake the first Right on Main St.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 5, 2010
Shumlin Campaign Calls on Vermont Television Stations to Reject Brian Dubie's Inaccurate and Misleading Advertisements
Burlington, Vt - The Shumlin campaign sent the following letter to Vermont television stations today. The letter calls on the stations to reject Brian Dubie's inaccurate and misleading advertisements.
The complete letter, which was sent to WCAX, WPTZ and FOX44 is below and attached.
Mr. Peter Martin
General Manager and President
PO Box 4508
Burlington, Vt 05406-4508
Dear Mr. Martin:
Editorial boards throughout the state have called political advertisements paid for by “Friends of Brian Dubie” “reckless,” “slick”, and “misleading.” Most importantly the classifications from these unbiased arbiters include the definitive statement that the advertisements are “false.” Your continued broadcast enables the campaign to spread misinformation and mistruths.
Mr. Dubie has decided to run a negative campaign based on false statements and scare tactics. That is his prerogative. While his free speech rights protect his distortions, the media has an ethical responsibility to reject advertising that has been proven factually inaccurate. While Mr. Dubie can continue his dirty smear campaign against Peter Shumlin, I would ask your station to take a stand for decency and reject ads that falsify Mr. Shumlin's position.
On both radio and television, Mr. Dubie claims that Mr. Shumlin's plan would let “child pornographers” out of prison. This statement is both factually incorrect and wildly inappropriate. Mr. Shumlin's plan will lock up violent criminals, drug dealers and child pornographers and it will save taxpayer dollars by ensuring that those non-violent criminals who have served their prison terms have access to services so they do not re-offend and end up back in prison. This would only apply to non-violent criminals. In Vermont, any crime committed against a child is considered violent.
I understand that the profit of your company is the main concern, but I hope that you take the trust the public has placed in you seriously. Mr. Dubie has brought the level of debate to a new low. Voters will decide if Mr. Dubie traded in his morals to meet his political ambitions. As a media station with incredible influence, you can ensure the public is receiving factual information by asking Mr. Dubie to correct his advertising by citing sources or remove them from rotation.
Sincerely,
Alexandra MacLean
Shumlin Campaign Manager
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2010
Peter Shumlin vs. Peter Shumlin:
Candidate disagrees with himself about budget savings
Essex Junction, VT - Peter Shumlin has repeatedly touted health care and Corrections as the two areas of state spending he’d tackle to address the budget deficit. Now, he is backing off that plan, saying those will be “long term savings” – savings that won’t come for years, if at all. He is changing his mind on “where the money is,” and backpedaling to find a new list of minor savings that would likely have little impact on the state budget.
“Peter Shumlin has been making promises for months about government-run health care and Corrections reform as being the answers to our budget concerns,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Now that he has been challenged on his promises, he is backing down and changing his mind. What happened to the bold leadership he has been promising?”
WVMT debate: Will we have to cut programs to balance the budget?
Peter Shumlin, 9/13: “I’m going where the money is. My jobs plan will not only grow jobs, it will allow us to balance the budget without gimmicks or deficits. Three things I’m going after, the first is health care costs. It’s the largest area of growth for small businesses, families and the state budget. I’m going to pass a single payer health care plan…. Second, I’m going after Corrections. It’s the second largest area of growth in the state budget. It’s not sustainable. We’re going to spend $40M this year locking up more non violent offenders than any other state per capita in the country. I’m going to go after that.”
VPR debate: How will you budget and balance the budget without federal funds coming in, which we have had in the past two years?
Peter Shumlin, 9/15: “I’ve made it very clear. I’m going where the money is. … I’m going to pass a bill that will reduce health care costs for state government, that’s a significant change in our budget, as well as for business people and Vermont’s families. Then we’re going to go after Corrections budget. Those two things will save a lot of money.”
Vt. Press Assn. debate: How will you resolve the budget gap?
Peter Shumlin, 10/3: “This is how I will go after the $112 million problem. First, I’m going to look at the $250 million in outside contracts that we currently have in the state of Vermont and put them on performance based contracts. … Second, I will go after contract services among state employees. … That’s where the money is. … Third, I’m going to restore the press corps. The Douglas administration hired you away to work in the various agencies."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 4, 2010
Dubie Doubles Down on Mistruths and Smears
Burlington, Vt – A day after struggling to defend his continuing campaign of mistruths against Peter Shumlin, Brian Dubie has released yet another television advertisement that misleads Vermont voters. Not only does the ad repeat assertions that have been repeatedly debunked, it also contains a bizarre and invented claim that Shumlin will enact a $1 billion tax hike.
“Brian Dubie’s new ad is more of the same: same mistruths about Peter Shumlin’s record, same negative tone that Vermonters reject, and same misrepresentations of Dubie’s positions,” said Alex MacLean, Shumlin’s campaign manager. “He has gone from spreading outrageous mistruths to simply making things up. This is not the Vermont way. Despite his opportunity to clean up his campaign and talk honestly about the issues facing Vermonters, Brian Dubie has chosen to double down on mistruths.”
The advertisement makes several assertions about Peter Shumlin’s plan to put Vermonters back to work that are all patently false.
False Claim: Shumlin’s plan would result in new government spending.
Truth: Shumlin’s plan is based on utilizing taxpayer dollars more wisely and does not call for any tax increases or new spending.
False Claim: Shumlin would implement a mandatory government health plan.
Truth: Shumlin’s plan to implement a single payer health care system will get health care off the backs of our employers and contain costs. Under this system, which can be described as a “Medicare for all” system, health care will not be delivered by the government. The most recent study (Lewin Study, 2001) on the impact that a single payer system would have in Vermont found the system would save 5% of our total health care spending. Vermonter’s health care costs have doubled since Brian Dubie has been in office, from $2.2 billion to $5.2 billion. The implementation of a single payer system would reverse this frightening trend and save Vermonters roughly $260 million annually.
False Claim: Shumlin would release 800 prisoners early.
Truth: Shumlin’s plan to curb our skyrocketing corrections budget and make our communities safer does not release prisoners early, but places the services on the ground so when non-violent offenders have served their time, they are less likely to re-offend. This will save money and make our communities safer.
False Claim: Shumlin’s plan will result in a $1 billion tax hike.
Truth: This is a completely false, made up number. In fact, Peter’s plan will contain costs, save taxpayer dollars and put Vermonters back to work.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2010
Pure Leadership Tour:
Gov. Douglas and Lt. Gov. Dubie to visit seven counties
in two-day RV tour
Essex Junction, VT - Gov. Jim Douglas will join Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie this weekend on a two-day tour across Vermont. At eight rallies in seven counties, they will promote Dubie’s vision as outlined by his ten-point plan for growing jobs and building Vermont's economy.
“Vermont cannot afford to have Peter Shumlin in the driver’s seat,” Dubie said. “Peter Shumlin has no plan to restore economic security to Vermont, just a wish list of empty promises that will demand more government spending and higher taxes. Gov. Douglas has served as a check on the Legislature. He stood up for Vermonters, vetoing a budget that raised taxes by more than $20 million, only to have Peter Shumlin lead the charge to override it and impose higher taxes. We need that kind of leadership and fiscal responsibility to stop the runaway spending Peter Shumlin promoted in the Legislature and continues to promise in his campaign.”
The “Pure Leadership” tour will kick off in Williston Saturday morning. From there, they will ride an RV to rallies in Barre, St. Johnsbury and Bethel on Saturday; and Rutland, Manchester and Vergennes on Sunday. The tour will wrap up with a BBQ finale at the Dubie for Governor campaign headquarters in Williston Sunday evening. All events are open to everyone and free to attend. Yard signs and bumper stickers will be available at each stop.
Saturday, October 9:
9:15-9:45 Williston Kickoff Dubie for Governor HQ, 4540 Williston Rd.
12:15-12:45 Barre Rally City Hall Park, 1 Washington Street
2:00-2:30 St. Johnsbury Rally Welcome Center, 61 Depot Square
4:00-4:30 Bethel Rally Band Shell, 135 Church Street
Sunday, October 10:
12:00-12:30 Rutland Rally Depot Parl, 25 Merchants Row
1:30-2:00 Manchester Rally Town Green, 25 Depot Street
3:45-4:15 Vergennes Rally City Park, 175 Main Street
5:00-5:30 BBQ Finale Dubie for Governor HQ, 4540 Williston Rd.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2010
New TV Commercial Highlights Differences
Between Dubie and Opponent
Essex Junction, VT - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign released its fourth television commercial Monday, a 30-second spot called “A Choice.” It highlights the differences between the Lieutenant Governor’s plan for Vermont and the promises made by his opponent.
“There is a clear difference between Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Brian Dubie has a ten-point plan to grow jobs and improve Vermont’s economy, while Peter Shumlin has no plan, just a list of empty promises. Peter Shumlin’s proposals for new government programs will require a major tax hike. Raising taxes is the wrong approach, and cutting the Corrections budget by $40 million not only endangers Vermonters, it ignores the number one role of government -- protecting its citizens.”
Brian Dubie’s ten-point plan for growing jobs and building the economy focuses on controlling state spending, cutting taxes and empowering small businesses; while Peter Shumlin’s plan focuses on a government-run health care system and releasing non-violent offenders – two things even he now admits won’t provide any savings or help balance the budget for at least four more years.
“Lately even Peter Shumlin seems to be admitting he has no plan, backing down from the promises he made just a few weeks ago and admitting his proposals won’t balance the budget or save any money,” Bliss said.
View the ad here: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/vermont_has_a_choice
Some of Peter Shumlin’s empty promises:
Peter Shumlin said he’d balance the budget by going “where the money is” – health care. Although the federal law is clear no state may apply for a waiver until 2017, Peter Shumlin said he could get it done in order to balance next year’s budget. The St. Albans Messenger said when it comes to his health care promises, Peter Shumlin “isn’t being honest with Vermonters” (9/22). Now Peter Shumlin is saying his health care plan won’t actually result in budget savings for another four years. "I would not bank any savings on the budget for this first year” (WCAX, 9/28/10).
Peter Shumlin said he’d cut $40 million annually from the Corrections budget. Then, he said that cut would come over four years, not annually. Then he told the head of the Vermont state employees union that he won’t cut the Corrections budget at all. “First and foremost, Peter Shumlin has not said that he will cut $40 million from corrections” (VSEA letter, 9/21/10).
Peter Shumlin said he’d fund universal pre-kindergarten for all 3- and 4-year-olds from the savings he’d reap from cutting the Corrections budget. "Emptying the prisons of non-violent offenders, he says, will cover the nearly $50 million price tag attached to his early childhood education plan" (Times Argus, 8/15). Now that he says the Corrections budget won’t be cut, there will be no savings -- just a $50 million promise without a source of funding.
As Peter Shumlin’s primary opponent Doug Racine said during the primary, “Those are the big promises that become empty promises” (Rutland Herald, 8/8).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2010
New radio ad touts Dubie’s commitment to public safety
Shumlin’s plan to cut Corrections so “nutty” even his ticket mate won't support it
Essex Junction, VT - Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie’s campaign today released its second radio ad, promoting Dubie’s commitment to public safety and exposing Peter Shumlin’s plan to release nearly 800 convicted criminals into Vermont neighborhoods.
Peter Shumlin has pledged to cut the state’s Corrections budget by $40 million by releasing non-violent offenders into the community. This plan is so bad, even members of Shumlin’s own political party are distancing themselves from his proposal. The Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor told a reporter he did not agree with Shumlin’s plan to release nonviolent offenders to balance the state’s budget. In fact, Peter Shumlin himself has backpedaled on the proposal he touted throughout his primary campaign, in his “Vision for Vermont,” and in the first gubernatorial debates of the general election – first saying the savings would come over four years, not annually, as he has promised; then telling the president of the state employees’ union he never planned to make any cuts to Corrections at all.
“Peter Shumlin’s plan is so reckless and off-base, even members of his own party don’t support it,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Being dishonest about the plan and creating a different story for different audiences only proves why his peers voted him Vermont's 'most ethically challenged' legislator. This shows that even Peter Shumlin recognizes how misguided his plan is.”
Click here to listen to the ad: http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/shumlins_nutty_plan
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2010
Shumlin receives another failing grade:
Another survey shows Shumlin failed to support jobs, small businesses
Essex Junction, VT - Peter Shumlin voted against the interests of Vermont’s business community in more than half of the legislation important to its members, a new survey shows.
The survey released Wednesday by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the state’s leading business organization, also reveals Shumlin was absent for a third of the roll call votes important to small business owners.
Peter Shumlin received a score of 43% for his support of issues of concern to Vermont businesses. He led the charge to override the Governor’s veto of the 2010 budget, which included “unacceptable increases” in taxes, according to the Chamber. Peter Shumlin also voted against a bill that would have removed certain tax increases that hindered business investment.
“This survey is further proof of how out of touch Peter Shumlin is,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “At a time when jobs and the economy are so important, Peter Shumlin votes against the interests of job creators, and in turn, the workers of Vermont. What’s even more telling is that Peter Shumlin didn’t even care to show up for a third of the votes that matter to businesses.”
The National Federation of Independent Business/Vermont released its own legislative scorecard based on votes important to small businesses. The NFIB/VT gave Peter Shumlin a score of 0%. The group has endorsed Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie for Governor.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Shumlin Campaign Calls on Brian Dubie to Stop Putting the Interests of Entergy Louisiana Over the Interests of Vermonters
Burlington, Vt – The Shumlin campaign today called on Brian Dubie to stop putting the interests of an out of state corporation, Entergy Louisiana and his own political career over the welfare of Vermonters.
Brian Dubie has now made four false claims that one of the state’s largest employer, IBM is going to leave the state if Vermont Yankee closes down on schedule.
False Claims:
Claim One: Brian Dubie falsely claimed at the Milton Rotary club on September 16 that IBM would leave the state if Vermont Yankee closes on schedule.
Claim Two: Brian Dubie falsely claimed at the Bradford energy forum on September 18 that IBM would leave the state if Vermont Yankee closes on schedule.
Claim Three: Brian Dubie repeated his false claim at a St. Albans debate on September 21 that IBM was going to leave the state if Vermont Yankee closes on schedule.
Claim Four: Brian Dubie said he stood by his comments that IBM would leave the state if Vermont Yankee closes on schedule.
Denied:
IBM has denied that they have said they would leave the state. A representative of IBM stated to Seven Days, on September 23, "IBM has not issued any ultimatum about pulling up stakes and moving to Quebec because of energy costs." IBM denied Dubie’s claims again to the Burlington Free Press on September 24, when a representative stated, “I don’t think we’ve said anything about moving jobs specifically around the electricity goals. There was nothing specific, or an ultimatum."
Brian Dubie has taken over $5,000 in gifts and campaign contributions directly from Entergy, as well as from Vermont Yankee executives and lobbyists, including an executive who misled Vermonters about the plant.
“Brian Dubie's efforts to scare Vermonters are dishonest and deceiving.” said Alex MacLean, campaign manager. “It is time for Brian Dubie to stop misleading Vermonters and put the safety and welfare of Vermonters over the interests of an out of state corporation and his own political career.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Statement by Alex MacLean, Shumlin Campaign Manager Regarding Republican Smear Campaign
"The latest ads by out of state Republican interests on behalf of Brian Dubie are dishonest, despicable and a distraction from the real issues that are facing Vermonters. They aren't the Vermont way. They are anything but Pure Vermont. Rather than stand on the issues, Brian Dubie and his friends in Washington have resorted to a smear campaign based on fear. Vermonters deserve an honest debate about the issues. The dishonest ads being run by Dubie and his allies should be taken down today."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2010
Shumlin’s Budget Backtrack Complete
Shumlin now admits none of his proposals will help budget for another four years
Essex Junction, VT - Remember when Peter Shumlin said he would balance the state budget with his promise of single-payer health care and cuts to Corrections?
Excerpted from the VPR debate, 9/15:
Peter Shumlin: We’ve got to get our health care spending, that’s the largest area of growth in our state budget; and our Corrections budget, that’s the second biggest pressure on our budget, under control, and I propose bold proposals to get that done. That’s going to save the state of Vermont, Vermont’s families and small business people, lots of money.
Peter Shumlin: What I am aiming for is to balance the budget. I have shown time and again I know how to balance budgets. I can get it done.
Jane Lindholm: One of the things are you going to have to deal with is that fact that in the budget year that we are currently in, 15% of the budget comes from federal stimulus funds. You are not likely to have those funds in the future, so again how will you budget and balance the budget without federal funds coming in, which we have had in the past two years?
Peter Shumlin: I’ve made it very clear. I’m going where the money is. … I’m going to pass a bill that will reduce health care costs for state government, that’s a significant change in our budget, as well as for business people and Vermont’s families. Then we’re going to go after Corrections budget. Those two things will save a lot of money.
Just two weeks later, Peter Shumlin’s budget backtrack is complete:
First, he told the head of the Vermont State Employees Union that he won’t cut the Corrections budget.“First and foremost, Peter Shumlin has not said that he will cut $40 million from corrections.” (VSEA letter, 9/21/10)
Now he says his health care plan won’t result in budget savings for another four years. "I would not bank any savings on the budget for this first year.” (WCAX, 9/28/10)
So if we can’t count on Shumlin’s cost-saving promises to help balance the budget, then how are we going to pay for all his new spending? If the past is any guide, it will be through higher taxes.
When it comes to Peter Shumlin, Vermonters should do as Democratic Sen. Dick McCormack warned:
“Just make sure you've parsed every word. The promise he makes may not be the promise you thought he made. There were times when I did not read the fine print. I won't make that mistake again.” (Seven Days, 6/23/10)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2010
Peter Shumlin repeats claim on rejecting special interest money; it still isn’t true
Essex Junction, VT - Peter Shumlin on Tuesday again claimed he does not take money from special interests to finance his campaign, even though reports filed with the Vermont Secretary of State’s office shows he has accepted thousands of dollars from special interest groups. Among them: Marijuana Policy Reform PAC, MPP Medical Marijuana PAC, DRIVE Committee, Clean Green Vermont Alliance, Patient Choices of Vermont Victory Fund, and Delta Dental Plan of Vermont.
Not only does Peter Shumlin take special interest money, a former Democratic Senate colleague even testified in federal court that special interest money influences how Peter Shumlin votes.
In 2000, then-Sen. Cheryl Rivers (D-Windsor) was testifying on campaign finance reform and told the court that Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin would not support a food labeling bill “because he didn't want to lose campaign contributions. Rivers quoted Shumlin as saying, ‘We've already lost the drug money. I don't need to lose the food manufacturers' money too.’ … She said Shumlin thought he could ‘claim credit’ for killing the bill, ‘and there might be the possibility of a generous contribution from the food manufacturers’” (AP, 5/18/2000).
“Once again, Peter Shumlin’s rhetoric doesn’t match his record,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “This is yet another sign of why Peter Shumlin was named Vermont’s ‘most ethically challenged’ lawmaker.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2010
Shumlin’s health care plan: More promises he can’t keep
Essex Junction, VT - Once again, Peter Shumlin is being dishonest about the promises he is making to voters. This time, the issue is health care. He claims he will achieve savings and balance next year’s budget by implementing a government-run system.
“Peter Shumlin can talk up his plan for health care all he wants, but that does not make it more true,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “It’s all smoke aimed at covering up the fact that pursuing a single-payer system before 2017 would violate federal law, and there is no evidence that any of the promises Peter Shumlin is making have any basis in reality.”
During the Democratic primary, Sen. Doug Racine, one of the legislature’s staunchest proponents of a single-payer health care system, criticized Peter Shumlin for making “empty promises”:
“As his primary opponents dangle guarantees of single-payer health care and universal broadband coverage by the end of their first terms, Racine scoffs at what he says are unrealistic timetables with no credible funding mechanisms” (Rutland Herald, 8/8).
Last week, a St. Albans Messenger editorial put it this way:
“What Vermonters should object to is Mr. Shumlin implying that these savings are imminent, that they can count on them now. When he is asked how he could bridge the state’s budget gap, he needs to be challenged when he suggests that moving to a single-payer system would be a first step. When he’s asked what he’d do to help create jobs, he needs to be challenged when he says a key part of the answer is moving to a single-payer health care system. It isn’t. Not this year. Not next. Or the next. Or the next, or the next…. To claim vast benefits in advance isn’t being honest with Vermonters” (9/22).
“Instead of ignoring federal law and being dishonest with Vermonters, Lt. Gov. Dubie is making promises he can keep,” Bliss said. “Vermont is consistently recognized as one of the healthiest states in the country, and the Blueprint for Health is considered a model for how the rest of the country can manage chronic care. As Governor, Brian Dubie will work to expand on these successes, leveraging the new federal law to make health care more accessible and affordable to more Vermonters.”
As outlined in his ten-point plan for job growth and economic expansion, Brian Dubie supports reducing health care costs through prevention, better management of chronic diseases, consumer education, malpractice reform, and reduction of administrative costs.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2010
Peter Shumlin’s plan: Long on promises, short on truth
Essex Junction, VT - During the first gubernatorial debate, Peter Shumlin said he would balance the budget by “going where the money is” – health care and corrections (WVMT, 9/13). He said he would pass a single-payer health care plan. He said he would cut $40 million from the Corrections budget by releasing 780 nonviolent offenders.
In the past two weeks, both proposals have been criticized and exposed as being dishonest.
A St. Albans Messenger editorial notes federal law does not allow states to pursue their own single-payer care systems until 2017 and criticizes Peter Shumlin for saying it would balance the budget or create jobs: “To claim vast benefits in advance isn’t being honest with Vermonters” (9/22).
Peter Shumlin’s proposal to save $40 million annually from the Corrections Dept. by releasing 780 non-violent offenders from prisons was widely criticized by local mayors, law enforcement officers, and even by his ticket mate, Steve Howard, the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. This outcry prompted Shumlin to first say the cuts would come over four years, not annually; then backpedal to say he would not cut the Corrections budget at all. In a letter to Corrections workers, VSEA Pres. Bob Hooper writes of a private conversation he had with Peter Shumlin: “Peter Shumlin has not said that he will cut $40 million from Corrections…. There will be no position reductions or facility closures on the table in a Shumlin administration.”
“Peter Shumlin has no plan, just a promise tailored to every group and every occasion,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “His proposals would neither put Vermonters back to work nor solve the state’s fiscal challenges.”
Tracking Peter’s Promises:
-- Peter Shumlin wants to appeal to fiscal conservatives, so he says he’ll close the budget gap with $40 million in Corrections Dept. savings.
-- Peter Shumlin wants to appeal to parents and early childhood education advocates, so he says he’ll use those savings to pay for universal pre-kindergarten at a cost of $33 million per year.
-- Peter Shumlin wants to appeal to the social services sector, so he says he’ll invest in transitional housing, literacy education, and drug and alcohol counseling for offenders released into the communities. Sen. Dick Sears, a Shumlin supporter, says establishing such programs could cost up to $20 million.
-- Peter Shumlin changes his story when people realize the release of 780 nonviolent offenders moves them from prisons and into our neighborhoods.
-- Peter Shumlin changes his story when it is understood that $40 million is a third of the Corrections Dept. budget, so he says the savings will come over four years, not annually.
-- Peter Shumlin changes his story when the state employees union sees the release of 780 nonviolent offenders would mean closing prisons and cutting jobs, so Shumlin says no funding will be cut, no prisons will be closed, and no positions will be eliminated.
-- Peter Shumlin’s plan does not save a single dollar or create a single job.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
Peter Shumlin Outlines Health Care Initiative; Draws Contrast with Brian Dubie's Lack of Plan
Burlington, Vt – Peter Shumlin outlined his health care initiative for Vermont, which would control health care costs and get health care off the backs of our employers.
Peter contrasted his plan with Brian Dubie's belief that the status quo is good enough.
“As a small business owner who pays $110,000 to insure my employees, I understand first hand how health care costs are crushing Vermont’s families and businesses,” said Peter Shumlin. “I have a bold plan to reduce these costs by taking insurance company profits out of the picture, rewarding providers for making patients better and allowing benefits to follow the individual and not be the burden of our employers.”
As governor, Peter will seek waivers from Washington D.C. to implement a single payer health care system. The implementation of such a system would allow health care benefits to follow individuals, not depend on employers, reimburse hospitals based on outcomes based medicine, not on the number of tests they order, use technology to improve our medical records and electronic payment system to reduce administrative waste and further contain costs by getting private insurers out of the way.
Peter contrasted his commitment to real health care reform with Brian Dubie’s lack of a plan to address the state's skyrocketing health care costs.
“Brian Dubie was recently asked what he paid for his health insurance and he said he didn’t know,” said Jennifer Henry, Fletcher Allen Nurse and President of the United Professions of Vermont. “Perhaps this is why he thinks that just nibbling around the edges is good enough. Brian Dubie’s lack of a plan to address Vermonters’ skyrocketing health care costs is irresponsible and out of touch.”
Peter also received the endorsement today of the United Professions of Vermont, which includes the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Care Professionals.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
Burlington, Vt - Peter Shumlin will hold a press conference with medical professionals tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28 to discuss his bold, substantive health care initiative. Shumlin will draw the contrast between his substantive proposal and Brian Dubie's lack of a plan to address Vermonters' skyrocketing health care costs.
What: Peter Shumlin to hold press conference
When: Tuesday, September 28 at 3:30
Where: Mcclure Entrance to Fletcher Allen Hospital, Burlington
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2010
Shumlin: Do as I say, not as I do
Essex Junction, VT - Peter Shumlin condemned the presence of special interest money in political campaigns Sunday night, claiming he does not accept it – even though finance reports filed with the Vermont Secretary of State’s office shows he has accepted thousands of dollars from special interest groups.
“I think it’s obscene, too. I think it’s wrong. I think it’s destroying democracy,” Shumlin said during a debate hosted by the AARP. “We have to get the special interest money out of politics. ... I don’t take it from any of the special interests. But we need to get it out.”
Yet Peter Shumlin’s own campaign finance report shows he has accepted numerous contributions from special interests such as Marijuana Policy Reform PAC, MPP Medical Marijuana PAC, DRIVE Committee, Clean Green Vermont Alliance, Patient Choices of Vermont Victory Fund, and Delta Dental Plan of Vermont.
“Once again, Peter Shumlin is not being honest with Vermonters,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin accepts special interest money but claims he doesn’t. This is another example of Peter Shumlin saying one thing and doing the exact opposite. Is there any issue on which Peter Shumlin is truthful?"
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2010
Shumlin’s plan to release nonviolent offenders
draws criticism from Democrats’ LG candidate
Nearly 75,000 automated phone calls highlight dangers of Shumlin plan
Essex Junction, VT - Peter Shumlin’s plan to cut $40 million from the Corrections Dept. budget by releasing 780 nonviolent offenders from prison is so reckless that even members of his own party are criticizing it.
Rep. Steve Howard, the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, is “splitting with Peter Shumlin on his prisoner release plan,” according to an interview with Seven Days.
“I wouldn’t agree with Sen. Shumlin on that plan,” Howard said. “I live in Rutland. I started a neighborhood association because of an increase in crime. I don’t necessarily agree with his approach 100 percent.”
“Like Rutland, Barre would face a major increase in crime and demand for services if the Shumlin plan went through,” Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon said. “Peter Shumlin's plan would endanger all Vermonters.”
Rep. Howard’s public criticism of Peter Shumlin’s plan is the subject of a call the Dubie campaign sent to 75,000 homes across Vermont on Monday.
“Despite Peter Shumlin’s attempt to run away from his reckless plan, he was quite clear for the last six months that in order to balance next year’s budget and provide universal pre-K, he was going to cut $40 million out of the Corrections budget and release 780 prisoners,” Dubie campaign manager Corry Bliss said. “Peter Shumlin’s plan is so naïve and reckless that even his ticket mate, Steve Howard, sees that it would endanger Vermonters. Vermonters deserve a Governor who will put public safety first.”
Click here to listen to the call. http://briandubie.com/index.php/pages/secondary/phone_call
Hi, this is Thom Lauzon, the mayor of Barre. The number one job of government is to keep Vermonters safe. Peter Shumlin’s plan to cut $40 million from the state corrections budget by releasing nearly 800 non-violent criminals is simply dangerous. Peter Shumlin’s plan is so reckless that even members of his own party are criticizing it. Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor Steve Howard told reporters that he does not agree with the Shumlin plan and that there are better ways to close the budget gap than by releasing non-violent offenders. We are lucky to live in one of the safest states in the country. Let’s keep it that way. Call Peter Shumlin and tell him you agree with me and his ticket mate Steve Howard that putting 800 non-violent criminals into our neighborhoods is no way to balance the budget.
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