VT-Gov: Scott considering

[free my dawg]

http://www.wcax.com/story/29183603/lt-gov-phil-scott-weighs-run-for-governor

Thought this would be interesting.

[RFayette]

The problem for him is that he runs his LT-GOV campaigns on non-partisan issues like efficiency and accountability........in the GOV campaign he'd likely have to contrast his and Shumlin's ideology.  That would be a very tough balancing act in such a liberal state.

[smoltchanov]

The problem for him is that he runs his LT-GOV campaigns on non-partisan issues like efficiency and accountability........in the GOV campaign he'd likely have to contrast his and Shumlin's ideology.  That would be a very tough balancing act in such a liberal state.

Nevertheless - Douglas managed to win even in Obama's (and, generally, Democratic) 2008. And Scott is moderate enough to at least be taken very seriously...

[MT Treasurer]

This would be fantastic, Shumlin is definitely vulnerable. A poll conducted in March 2015 found that 47 percent of Vermonters say they disapprove of Shumlin’s performance, while 41 percent say they approve.

[Vega]

If Scott runs, then he will beat Shumlin - I have no doubt about that.

I think it would be best for the Gov. to pack it in and not run for re-election.

[NeverAgain]

Shumlin shouldn't run for re-election in the first place.

[Maxwell]

I'm still amazed that a some dude candidate like Scott Milne almost beat Shumlin in 2014. Turnout was awful, sure, but it was still the most shocking result. An actual candidate like Scott could actually beat Shumlin with real turnout.

[SATW]

YES! Was wondering if he'd ever run

[IceSpear]

RIP Shumlin if he runs.

[Xing]

For the sake of curiousity, are there any other Democrats who could beat/come close to beating Scott?

[Knives]

Thought this was going to be about Scott Brown.

[smoltchanov]

Thought this was going to be about Scott Brown.

No. And Scott is substantially stronger in Vermont then Brown was in Massachusetts.

[Joe Republic]

Thought this was going to be about Scott Brown.

^ Same.  But maybe it's not too late for him too?

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Thought this was going to be about Scott Brown.

It would be hilarious if Scott Brown decided to lose in every state in New England.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

He would make a great candidate, especially because Leahy is planning to run for reelection to the Senate.  Otherwise, I might have wanted him to go for that. 

I never expected Shumlin's last race in November to be as close as it was (or his job approval to be so low), so I imagine that a strong, moderate Republican like Scott could easily dispatch of him (or another Democrat).

[greenforest32]

Relevant to turnout: Vermont just passed same-day voter registration although it looks like it won't go into effect until after the 2016 elections.

http://digital.vpr.net/post/vermont-becomes-14th-state-allow-same-day-voter-registration

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[sg0508]

Unless the law has changed, the winner must receive a majority of the vote. In '02, Doug Racine (D) lost to Jim Douglas who got only 45%.  Racine conceded the race rather than going to a runoff, which he likely would have won head to head. 

If Shumlin loses, but Scott receives <50%, you actually believe the Governor will concede and avoid a run-off? No way.

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Unless the law has changed, the winner must receive a majority of the vote. In '02, Doug Racine (D) lost to Jim Douglas who got only 45%.  Racine conceded the race rather than going to a runoff, which he likely would have won head to head. 

If Shumlin loses, but Scott receives <50%, you actually believe the Governor will concede and avoid a run-off? No way.

First off, it's a legislative vote, not an actual runoff. And the legislature rarely votes against the candidate that won a plurality. Even Shumlin said late last year that he would not want to serve as governor if he did not receive a plurality of the votes in the November GE, regardless of the legislature's opinion.

[Senator Cris]

Shumlin NOT running for re-election.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Unless the law has changed, the winner must receive a majority of the vote. In '02, Doug Racine (D) lost to Jim Douglas who got only 45%.  Racine conceded the race rather than going to a runoff, which he likely would have won head to head. 

If Shumlin loses, but Scott receives <50%, you actually believe the Governor will concede and avoid a run-off? No way.

Vermont doesn't hold runoffs.  If there's no majority, then the election is decided by the legislature.

[Maxwell]

Cris is correct, Shumlin ending his tenure as Vermont's Governor

Wow this was unexpected.

[Ebsy]

Who do Democrats have to run?

[Maxwell]

Who do Democrats have to run?

One of the row officers? Former SoS Deb Markowitz and Former Lieutenant Governor Doug Rancine are two names from the 2010 Gubernatorial election that I hear.

[Ebsy]

Who do Democrats have to run?

One of the row officers? Former SoS Deb Markowitz and Former Lieutenant Governor Doug Rancine are two names from the 2010 Gubernatorial election that I hear.

None of the current statewide elected officials(other than maybe Scott) seem likely to run?

[Maxwell]

Who do Democrats have to run?

One of the row officers? Former SoS Deb Markowitz and Former Lieutenant Governor Doug Rancine are two names from the 2010 Gubernatorial election that I hear.

None of the current statewide elected officials(other than maybe Scott) seem likely to run?

Sorrell seems to want to stay put, but I could see Doug Hoffer or Jim Condos running. It'll probably be a crowded primary, if filled with some backbenchers.