Governor Peter Shumlin announced today his intention to seek a second term. The Putney Democrat survived a ferocious primary against four big-name candidates two years ago, which resulted in a recount, and then barely came out on top in the general election in a slugfest against former Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie.
This time around, Shumlin's most substantial challenge would appear to be from former state Auditor and state Senator Randy Brock, a Republican from St Albans. Shumlin's first term was marked by a lawsuit involving Vermont Yankee, which a federal judge ruled in favor of VY and its owner Entergy; and by two weather events, the spring 2011 flooding and the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene at the end of August 2011. The state made a rapid recovery from the storms, though much work still needs to be done at many locations across the state. The Vermont Yankee saga, however, is still mired in the courts as both the state and Entergy have filed appeals.
Shumlin has touted the state's "I Am Vermont Strong" response to Irene as a measure of the state's resolve. He has also boasted of the state's resiliency during the economic downturn and slow recovery, now pushing five years.
Statement by Governor Peter Shumlin: "I am pleased to announce today that I plan to seek reelection for the office of Governor.It has been a privilege to serve the people of Vermont over the past 16 months. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Yet there is more work to do and I look forward to continuing our jobs agenda: creating jobs and more economic opportunities for Vermonters, containing the skyrocketing cost of health care, continuing Irene recovery, expanding broadband and cell service across our state, and investing in our renewable energy future and childrenâ s education.I will continue to focus on these initiatives and will make a more formal announcement of my candidacy around Labor Day."
Source: Governor Shumlin's office. June 12, 2012. Photo of Governor Shumlin announcing the winner of the Deane C Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award at the opening of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo May 23, 2012. Photo by Nino Abbott/Vermont Business Magazine.