Hoff urges Dems to stand behind Pollina

The campaign for Progressive gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina is promoting a letter former Democratic Governor Philip Hoff writes in the Burlington Free Press today urging Democrats to stand behind Pollina’s candidacy.

“For a long time I have felt that the Democratic and Progressive parties should work together for the common good of Vermont,” Hoff writes.

“In the absence of a viable Democratic candidate it seems to me that the candidacy of Anthony Pollina offers such an opportunity.

“I do not know Pollina well. Several Democrats that I respect know him well and give him high grades in terms of his character and devotion to Vermont. Certainly he is "right" on the issues facing Vermont.

“It is my understanding that he seeks the support of the Democratic Party.

"Given this situation it seems to me that we Democrats should set aside partisan politics and support Pollina.”

The Pollina campaign is quick to point out that Hoff, who defeated Republican Governor F. Rey Keyser in 1962, is last gubernatorial candidate to oust an incumbent governor.