Shap Smith

The 2008 presidential cycle is breaking new ground: the most successful female and minority candidates, huge leaps in voter turnout, and a reinvigorated excitement about politics.

But the excitement generated from the candidates topping the party ticket is not just confined to the presidential race: Vermont officials and political observers are feeling the enthusiasm too. Many have dubbed the phenomena of heightened interest, activism and turnout the "Obama Factor."

Who will park here? The House Speaker's reserved parking space at the State House in Montpelier: Politicker PhotoWith House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) relinquishing her position in Vermont's Legislature to attempt to unseat Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury), the state House's top spot is up for grabs for the first time in five years when Symington was unanimously elected. While no state representatives have publicly stated if they will make a bid to wield the gavel next year, some are considering the prospect.

In compiling this list, PolitickerVT.com spoke to political experts and leaders from both sides of the aisle to see who they thought were considering running for the House Speaker's position. Some names were mentioned more than others: Majority Leader Carolyn Partridge, Assistant Majority Leader Floyd Nease, and state Reps. Mark Larson, Shap Smith, and John Rodgers.

The Clinton Vermont campaign is outlining its final 24-hour push in the state.

It is planning visibilities in Bennington, Rutland, Manchester, Norwich, Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury, White River Junction. Phone banking will be taking place in Burlington and Rutland.

Appearing on Clinton’s behalf at campaign events will be surrogates Madeleine Kunin, Sara Kittell, Daryl Pillsbury, Shap Smith, Johanna Donovan and Allison Clarkson.