Vermont Business Magazine Speaker of the House Shap Smith announced today that he is withdrawing from the race for governor of Vermont because his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. On his campaign Web site and at a press conference this afternoon in Montpelier, Smith said he and his wife, Dr Melissa Volansky, are optimistic of a full recovery. Smith, partner in the Burlington law firm Dinse Knapp McAndrew and a resident of Morrisville, was a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination. Smith will have served eight years as Speaker. Ralph Wright was the longest serving Speaker at 10 years.
Shap Smith and Melissa Volansky from campaign Web site.
Shap Smith'sstatement:
"Today, I am suspending my campaign for governor. My wife Melissa has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We are optimistic that she will make a full recovery but as so many Vermonters know, a diagnosis like this reshapes one’s priorities. This is a time during which Melissa and the kids need me most. Melissa and I are partners in everything we do and I intend to be by her side.
"I’d like to thank all of you who have lent their support to this campaign. I am grateful for your time, energy, contributions and commitment to this effort. Your support has meant the world to me and will give Melissa and I strength in the weeks and months ahead.
"I am stepping away to focus on my family, but my commitment to the state of Vermont and a future that is bright for children remains strong.
"Thank you for your support and understanding. - Shap"
Governor Shumlin also sent a statement of support for Smith and his family:
“I have so much love and support for Shap and Melissa. Along with their two wonderful children they are an incredibly strong family. I know they will get through this with the help of their loved ones as well as all of us in their extended Vermont family here in Montpelier and throughout the state.
“Shap is a dear friend. While I know this was a difficult decision for him to make in light of the passion he has for serving his state, I also know that as a husband and father this was not at all a difficult decision. I have an incredible amount of respect for Shap as a leader and person, for all he has done for his state, and for all he will continue to do on behalf of Vermonters.”
Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vermont) issued the following statement:
“The challenges of life arrive on their own timetable, never convenient and always disruptive. Melissa has a thriving career as a much loved community physician.And Shap is a respected attorney, legislative leader, and strong gubernatorial candidate.For them, the timing could not have been worse.But that was beyond their control.What was within their control was how they responded.They are both fully engaged parents to Eli and Mia.They are both deeply committed to each other.And, together, they made a decision that reveals their strong character. We all support them and wish them well.”
Senator Patrick Leahy sent this message: "I spoke with Speaker Smith today and conveyed the heartfelt hopes, wishes and prayers that Marcelle and I have for him, Melissa and their family.
"Throughout his career in public service, Shap has worked to keep his priorities in order, striving to do the right things, for the right reasons. That has been a mark of his character, and a reason for the deep respect he has earned across our state. In this difficult decision, he has done that again."
Other leading candidates for governor include former state senator Matt Dunne and former VTrans secretary Sue Minter for the Democrats and for the Republicans Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott and businessman Bruce Lisman.