(Host) Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie has launched a fundraising campaign to ask Vermonters for financial support. But the Republican won’t say if he’s running for re-election.
VPR’s John Dillon reports:
(Dillon) Brian Dubie recently sent a letter to business owners in Vermont that touts his record over the past year and a half and cites the work yet to do. The letter ends with an appeal. He asks people to donate up to $400 – the maximum amount allowed under Vermont campaign finance law.
But Dubie says that the fundraising letter should not be interpreted as confirmation of his plans to run for re-election.
(Dubie) “My family and I have really tried to sort out what we’re going to do next as far as my service for the state.”
(Dillon) Dubie is a first-term lieutenant governor who won election in 2002 in a three-way race. If he runs this year, he’ll also face Progressive and Democratic candidates.
It’s widely assumed that he’ll seek re-election. But Dubie says it’s too early to reveal his political plans.
(Dubie) “At this time I’m not making a statement of my political goals or what I’m going to do as far as a political election. Other people are, and that’s their choice. But for the time being, I am the lieutenant governor and I’m very, very busy being the lieutenant governor.”
(Dillon) Dubie says the fundraising appeal has generated hundreds of responses. The letter asks people to sign up for the “Dubie Team for 2004.” It asks supporters to host fundraising parties, or volunteer in his office. He says stayed tuned for more on his future plans.
(Dubie) “When the time is right, I am going to make a decision or make an announcement about what I’m going to do for the next campaign season. And, you know, there’s plenty of time.”
(Dillon) Besides raising money, Dubie has built the infrastructure for a campaign. He has a treasurer, a non-government Web site, and a political organization called Friends of Brian Dubie.
For Vermont Public Radio, I’m John Dillon.