John Tracy, an aide to Sen. Patrick Leahy, has been tapped to serve as the senior senator’s new state director.
The prestigious slot opened up when Chuck Ross left the post to serve as Peter Shumlin’s secretary of agriculture. Like Ross, Tracy began his political career in the Vermont House of Representatives, where he served as leader of the Democratic caucus during the historic debate over civil unions.
Tracy, who will oversee Leahy’s Vermont staff and spearhead some of the senator’s congressional initiatives, ran for lieutenant governor in 2006 but lost in the Democratic primary to Matt Dunne.
In a written statement, Leahy touted Tracy’s “experience and leadership skills.”
“With health reform topping agendas in both Vermont and the nation, John is perfectly suited to help advance our work in improving health care in Vermont,” Leahy said.
Tracy has spent the last five years working as a field representative for Leahy, traveling the state and helping Vermonters navigate federal programs and agencies.
A Vietnam veteran whose son just returned from a deployment to Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard, Tracy has also been active on military issues.
“As the father of one of Vermont’s own in Afghanistan, John and his family have been touchstones for us and for others through a difficult and dangerous deployment.” Leahy said.
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