The campaign that is(n't)?

While we were researching a story on a consulting company founded by former Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, the web site associated with the company disappeared from the web.If you go to www.dubiesolutions.com, it no longer shows up. But here's what the site looked like on Monday:

Vermont Republicans have been waiting for Dubie to make a decision: To run, or not to run? 

For the full story in the Times Argus, click here.

 

Dollars for Dems

Election Day 2012 is still 19 months away. But the Vermont Democratic House Campaign is starting to money up for the next cycle.  

On Thursday, House Speaker Shap Smith headlines a fundraiser for the political-action committee at The Chef’s Table on Main Street. For $1,000, donors get to enjoy “an evening of discussion” with Smith and the rest of the Democratic caucus’ leadership team.

The $1,000 package is limited to 15 people and includes a 60-minute reception before dinner. Those unable to afford the four-figure cocktail hour can attend the dinner portion of the event only for $500.

“It’s a chance for our supporters to express their support and it’s open to whoever wants to pay the suggested donation,” said Nick Charyk, head of the Vermont Democratic House Campaign.

Thursday’s soiree is an annual event, and will be attended by at least a few Statehouse lobbyists.  

Charyk said his group is “working on a series of house parties across the state” after legislators adjourn.

“Those are much lower-dollar events,” he said.

The group is independent of the Vermont Democratic Party and raises money to support Democrats in House races across the state.

“I’m planning on starting to spend resources at the end of the session with informational mailings on issues legislators have been working on, particularly on exactly what the health-care bill does,” Charyk said. “Also we’ll hold some workshops at the end of the session to help candidates with constituent outreach.”

Shumlin for Shumlin, in 2012

Gov. Peter Shumlin might not be thinking much about a 2012 reelection campaign (or so he said at a press conference two weeks ago). But his daughter sure is.

In an e-mail to Shumlin supporters, Becca Shumlin talk about how great it’s been to be a first daughter, and how much progress her father has made on issues like health care and balancing the budget.

The mass e-mail arrived in inboxes on electronic “Shumlin for Governor” letterhead. It includes a handy “Donate” icon for anyone looking to get an early start on their 2012 giving.

Here’s the letter:

There we were, as my dad would say, "Two kids from Putney" at the White House with President Obama and Michelle Obama. We had to pinch ourselves. When you helped elect my dad last November we knew things would change, but I didn't believe change would come so quickly and I am not just talking about trips to the White House!

In his first 60 days in office, he has been focused tirelessly on the economic security of all Vermonters. Governor Shumlin sent the legislature a bill to stimulate manufacturing jobs, provide extensive job training and internships for young Vermonters, support efforts to strengthen healthy downtowns and create and protect good jobs for Vermont’s veterans and the long-term unemployed. This important action also combines efforts in the Agencies of Agriculture and Commerce for the first time so our important agricultural industry is finally part of our economic vision.

In addition to the jobs initiative, Governor Shumlin proposed a balanced budget that sets Vermont on a prudent fiscal path, and laid out a plan to provide broadband and cell phone service to all Vermonters by 2013.

And not least, he started tackling the biggest impediment to economic security and job growth facing our state: out of control health care costs. Shortly after taking office, my dad introduced a single-payer health care bill that lays the groundwork for controlling the skyrocketing costs by making our health care system simpler, fairer and more affordable. I can't tell you how many times we have heard: "You can't do single payer. You'll never get the waivers from Washington." Well recently, President Obama made his commitment clear when he announced his support for giving states the flexibility Vermont needs to implement our health care reforms by 2014. We're making great progress!

Olivia and I think Dad is doing a great job; what do you think? Please reply to this email to thank Dad or tell him what you think about his first 60 days in office. His favorite part of being governor is meeting with Vermonters that have great ideas and stories to tell. If you are frustrated, let him know. If you have an idea, express it. Dad knows Vermonters involved in our political process make this state even stronger and all of us successful!


Thank you,

Becca Shumlin

P.S. I am also proud that Dad got McDonald's to start using real Vermont maple syrup in their stores. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big impact. Just ask our sugarers!