Brian Dubie

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.

State Rep. Harry Chen (D-Mendon), best known for his work on health care reform, on Monday officially declined to run for lieutenant governor against incumbent Brian Dubie (R-Essex Junction). Chen had only acknowledged that he was considering a run last week.

According to the Rutland Herald, Chen said that although political factors played a role, another main consideration was the strain of public life in conjunction with other job as an emergency room doctor, which was why Chen decided not to seek re-election to his state House seat.

Rep. Harry ChenTerri Hallenback, writing on the Burlington Free Press' vt.Buzz political blog, confirmed today that state Rep. Harry Chen (D-Mendon) is contemplating a run for lieutenant governor against incumbent Brian Dubie (R-Essex Junction).

Chen, a 3rd term state representative, is vice-chairman of the Health Care Committee, where in 2006 he reported the Catamount Health Care Bill, to a lengthy questioning session from his peers.

MONTPELIER -- Although he's not facing a Democratic opponent right now, Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie doesn't expect that his path to a fourth term will remain clear for much longer.

"I assume that I will have a strong, well-funded opponent," Dubie told PolitickerVT.com last week. "But competition makes you stronger and I'm looking forward to a spirited campaign."

There has been speculation over potential Democratic challengers for the state's No. 2 job but nobody has yet to make a formal announcement.

In anticipation of a freezing winter a few months away, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) called on legislators today to convene for an emergency meeting of the Joint Fiscal Committee aimed at reducing the effects of a potential home heating crisis.

The bi-partisan meeting will include state senators and representatives, and according to a statement, Symington, the House speaker, will direct the committee to invite Gov. Jim Douglas, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, in addition to independent experts throughout the state of Vermont.

Saturday's Dairy Days parade on Main Street in Enosburg Falls: Politicker PhotoENOSBURG FALLS - While boasting a population of a little under 3,000 people most of days of the year, this town just six miles south of the Canadian border can attract more than 15,000 visitors during its annual Dairy Days festival. And amid the parade, cow-milking contest, food and carnival rides, the festival plays host to current and aspiring lawmakers taking part in an opening round of politicking.

Though he was unable to attend this year's event, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie told PolitickerVT.com last week: "It's the opening salvo to the political season."

Whether holding signs, banners or wearing t-shirts, stickers and buttons, candidates and volunteers made their way down Main Street in the 90-degree heat. Despite the high temperatures spectators lined the parade route, cheering for their candidate of choice and perhaps offering some indication for what's in store down the campaign trail.

It's a big week in Vermont politics. Who's coming out on top? Who's not? Find out in this week's Winners & Losers.

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.