Pollina presses on in bid for governor

Progressive Party gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina is continuing with his bid for the state's highest office this afternoon.

Pollina told reporters at a press conference on the steps of Burlington city hall that he plans on staying in the race, and wanted to "end the speculation and to outline a strategy for winning the office of governor of Vermont."

His statement was made in reference to the idea that he would run for lieutenant governor against Brian Dubie (R-Essex Junction), who currently holds the office and is running for re-election unopposed.

Media outlets began speculating about a bid for lieutenant governor when a press release issued yesterday by the Pollina campaign stated that "a Democratic candidate has also entered the race for Governor, raising for some, questions about the dynamics of the campaing (sic) and Pollina's next steps."

Former state House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) confirmed on May 12 that she, too, had decided to make a bid for governor. Many speculated that the two would split votes, allowing Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury) to win a fourth term.

Eric Davis, a professor of political science at Middlebury College told the Burlington Free Press that "if he [Pollina] stays in the governor's race, he is going to be seen as a spoiler."