Interview: Impact of Dean’s campaign
Howard Dean’s run for president is over, but the former Vermont governor may still influence the outcome of the Democratic nomination, and possibly the future of presidential politics as well. Mitch Wertlieb talks with Eric Davis, professor of political science at Middlebury College, about the impact of Dean’s campaign. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
Dean bows out of presidential contest
Howard Dean’s presidential fortunes seemed to follow the seasons. The Democratic campaign had the heat from a Vermont summer day to get off the ground and came to a close in the chill of a late winter afternoon. But even as Dean announced plans to end his campaign, he announced the creation of a new organization to make changes in the country’s political system.
Vermonters react to Dean’s announcement
Shortly after Howard Dean’s announcement, VPR checked in with some Vermonters about their thoughts of the news. At the Morning Star Caf in Springfield, most said they were not surprised to hear that Dean had withdrawn from the Democratic contest, and many felt he had made an important contribution to the race.
Staffer finds pride in Dean’s impact
In spite of Dean’s unsuccessful presidential bid, his campaign staffers and volunteers remain enthusiastic about what they have called a movement.
“Crossover” deadline in Legislature
Vermont House and Senate Committees are hurrying to finish bills before a legislative deadline at the end of next week. The Senate has said bills in that chamber must be out of the committee by then. The Senate deadline will apply to many bills coming over from the House even though it doesn’t have an official deadline. (AP)
Wind energy hearings
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas is taking the debate over wind energy to eight towns across the state. Douglas says the March meetings will help the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources develop a policy on wind energy. (AP)
Insurance regulations upheld
A Superior Court judge is upholding Vermont regulations governing the use of private information by insurance companies that do business in the state. Washington Superior Court Judge Alan Cook says the regulations are stronger than federal rules. (AP)
Winooski development project
The city of Winooski is clearing the way for its $185 million downtown redevelopment project. The City Council on Tuesday signed orders to close all remaining businesses in the path of the project. Construction is scheduled to start by April 15. (AP)
IBM discrimination case
A federal judge says IBM owes back payments, possibly worth billions of dollars, to 140,000 older employees who were harmed when the company converted to a new kind of pension plan. (AP)
Harwood principal resigns
The principal of the Harwood Union High School in Duxbury is leaving. The resignation letter from Principal Robin Pierce was read to the school board on Wednesday. Pierce’s resignation ends a year during which she has been at the center of several controversies. (AP)
Kimmick held in Guam
A Vermont man suspected in the murder of his ex-wife is in the custody of FBI agents. Thirty-five-year-old William Kimmick was flown from Taiwan to the U-S territory of Guam on Wednesday. Kimmick turned himself in to Taiwanese police February 8, about two weeks after the body of his ex-wife was found in Bethel. (AP)