In June, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin announced he would not run for reelection in 2016, providing a rare opening for the state’s top seat. A number of people are considering running for the position and several have announced their campaigns. In August, Democratic House Speaker Shap Smith made his formal announcement. This week, a Democratic primary shaped up as former state senator Matt Dunne emailed supporters that he too was running. Dunne, a Google executive, has unsuccessfully run for statewide office twice before, including the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial primary. He explains to WAMC’s North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley why he’s running again.
Republican Bruce Lisman is running. Republican Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott is expected to announce his intentions after Labor Day. Democratic state Transportation Secretary Sue Minter is also weighing a run.