Does Gov. Douglas support the public option?

Sure sounds like he wouldn't have a problem with a public health insurance option so long as a state could opt out.

From a story in today's Gasden Times:

“If there’s something out there that might be beneficial to states, I expect states would likely opt in,” said Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont, a Republican and the chairman of the National Governors Association. “I mean what’s the harm, they likely will conclude, it’s only an option.”

Douglas, a moderate Republican on health care issues, had previously told reporters that he didn't like the public health insurance option discussed in Washington, D.C.

-Dan Barlow

Candidates line up to replace Peter Shumlin ...

... and he hasn't even announced he is running for governor yet.

Here's one to watch: A 20-something Brattleboro resident by the name of Scott McCarty, now serving on three town committees.

 

The Brattleboro Reformer also reports that Westminster Select Board member Toby Young - who spent 10 years in the Vermont House - is also considering a run.

-Dan Barlow

This doesn't look good

From the Boston Globe:

WASHINGTON - Peter Galbraith, a former American diplomat who has been among the most forceful advocates for Iraqi Kurds to retain control over the oil in their region, acknowledged yesterday that he has had business dealings involving oil companies in Iraqi Kurdistan since 2004.

- Dan Barlow

 

Scary

FairPoint Communications is a sponsor of the New Hampshire Business Excellence Awards.

-Dan Barlow

Monster vs. Monster

In case you missed the news: A corporate drink giant wants small Vermont brewery to change the name of a popular beer it sells.

Here's the beer in question:

 

Here's the energy drink:

 

And here's a huge tub of ice cream, which also shares the same name as the beer:

 

Who will win?

-Dan Barlow

Welch to hold more health care town hall meetings

 

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch - a strong public option guy for national health care reform - announced Thursday that he will hold two more town hall meetings on the issue later this month.

Here's what his e-mail to supporters said:

Following a summer of discussions with Vermonters about reforming the nation’s health care system, Rep. Welch held four regional Telephone Town Hall meetings last month about this and other issues. In total, the regional meetings with residents of the Northeast Kingdom and Franklin, Bennington and Rutland counties, drew more than a thousand participants.

This month, Rep. Welch will hold two statewide forums focused specifically on health care reform legislation. His “Congressional Forums on Health Care” in Williston and White River Junction will provide yet another opportunity for Vermonters to weigh in on this critical legislation.

The locations and times for these events are:

Saturday, October 10 – 10 a.m.
Williston Central School
195 Central School Drive, Williston

Saturday, October 17 – 3:30 p.m.
Hartford High School
73 Highland Avenue, White River Jct.

-Dan Barlow

You're doing it wrong

If you have a moment, click over to the Vermont Democratic Party's Web site.

What's the top news item? That Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie is running for governor.

And then check out the Vermont Republican Party's Web site.

Not a single announcement that Dubie is a candidate.

-Dan Barlow

Leahy and the cow

Senate Democrats in Washington, D.C. held a press conference this week to call for $350 million in emergency aid for dairy farmers. Well, we couldn't help but pull out this photo of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy and Maggie, a dairy cow.

-Dan Barlow

According to Jim

We had several stories on yesterday's Douglas announcement.

The story on the announcement from Louis Porter: Governor won't seek re-election.

The reaction of Republicans around the state (many of whom may have an eye on the governor's position) by Pete Hirschfeld: Who'll run for GOP?

And the Democratic side is preparing as well, from Susan Allen: Democrats see opportunity to regain governor's post

Across the state, the reaction was mixed: Gov. gets mixed reviews; although the reaction of Rutland politicians was more positive for the Governor: Rutland politicians salute Douglas.

-VPB

Douglas will not seek reelection

The rumors are confirmed now. See the story at the Times Argus:

Douglas will not re-up

Press conference is still on for 11 a.m.

-VPB