Now two Dems vying to be lieutenant governor

Vermont Democrats had no candidate for lieutenant governor just over one week ago. As of this weekend, Democrats now have two to choose from.

Thomas Costello, a 62-year-old former state representative and Brattleboro lawyer, announced Sunday afternoon that he would challenge Nate Freeman for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, in the hopes of unseating Republican incumbent Brian Dubie in November.

"By rolling up our sleeves and working hard, using our God-given skills and can-do attitude, together we can make Vermont a better, safer and more productive place for us and for our children," Costello said in a statement. "We must take care of each other and preserve the tradition that is Vermont and deliver those values and opportunities to our children."

Costello touted his past experience in Vermont's state legislature where he was elected to serve five terms -- two in the mid-1970s and three in the late 1990s -- as well as his experience practicing law.

In the statement, the Democratic candidate advocated a collaborative approach to try to help solve the state's growing financial problems, as well as reforming health care, criminal justice, education, energy and environmental policies.

"This is a time for Vermont's leaders to do their ‘full duty,'" said Costello, who is a Vietnam veteran. "Together we will work our way through the present challenges. We must put name calling, bickering and finger pointing behind us rand find together the right path to our future. We must move forward together."

Freeman, the other Democratic candidate, issued his campaign announcement on his website natefreeman.com on June 28. Both Freeman and Costello will face off in a primary election on September 9.

Liz Saxe, spokeswoman for the Vermont Democratic Party, told PolitickerVT.com that the two Democratic candidates reflect the "enthusiasm" and the "enormous amount of energy for Democrats this year," and was also indicative of Vermonters desire for change.