(Host) In addition to electing Jim Douglas governor, the legislature Thursday officially made Republican Brian Dubie the new lieutenant governor. Dubie received 41% of the vote in the General Election.
As VPR’s Steve Zind reports, Dubie’s first day at the State House was a family affair.
(Zind) Brian Dubie stood outside the House chamber as the results of the vote for lieutenant governor were announced.
(Dubie) “That means I’m in there!”
(Witness) “Let me be the first one to shake your hand.”
(Zind) A short while later, Dubie was escorted into a Senate chamber crowded with elected officials and over 40 members of Dubie’s family.
(Dubie) “A lot of my family has never even been to the Statehouse. So it’s an exciting day for me and for my family.”
(Zind) Dubie’s father, Clement, administered the oath of office. The elder Dubie couldn’t resist making a few comments of his own before swearing in his son.
(Clement Dubie) “I just want to, on behalf of the Dubie family, express our attitude toward Brian. We’re here to cheer for him today ” (Brian Dubie) “Keep moving, Dad, keep moving.”
(Zind) In a fifteen minute speech, Lieutenant Governor Dubie stressed familiar themes: improving education, creating jobs and fighting substance abuse. The airline pilot and air force reserve officer was most emotional when he talked about Vermonter’s serving in the armed forces. Dubie quoted General Omar Bradley. He recited the words of Mahatma Ghandi.
There were also flashes of humor. Dubie talked about one of his predecessors, Lieutenant Governor S. Hollister Jackson. The story goes that Jackson perished in the flood of 1927 when he refused help from some passersby.
(Dubie) “There’s a lesson here.” (Laughter.) “If somebody offers me help, I’m going to take it. I’m even going to ask for it!”
(Zind) Dubie says he’s already had plenty of help preparing to preside over the Senate. He’s been schooled by a number of key legislators, studied the rules of order, and listened to hours of recordings from the last legislative session.
(Dubie) “We’ve also done mock sessions in the Senate chamber. But I’ve still got a lot to learn.” (Laughs.)
(Zind) For Vermont Public Radio, I’m Steve Zind in Montpelier.