“I think that there is a real opportunity for someone who wants to work on many of the challenges that the state faces and is willing to use that office to convene people around issues like tax reform, higher education financing, health care and downtown redevelopment,” he said.
After 14 years in the House — including eight as its speaker — the 50-year-old lawyer has been looking for an opportunity to trade his Lamoille County district for a statewide perch. Smith launched a campaign for governor last August but suspended it in November when his wife was diagnosed with cancer. After her health improved this spring, he considered reentering the gubernatorial race but determined he couldn’t raise enough money.
Smith said the lieutenant governor gig appealed to him because its part-time nature would allow him to focus on complex policy issues without having to manage “the day-to-day issues of running either the Senate or the House.”
“As I thought more about the office and how it can be used, I have gotten more excited by the possibilities,” he said.
Smith acknowledged that he’s anything but a shoo-in. Rep. Kesha Ram (D-Burlington) and Sen. David Zuckerman (P/D-Chittenden) have been campaigning for the Democratic nomination since late last year. The primary is scheduled for August 9. Former state auditor and senator Randy Brock is currently the only candidate seeking the Republican nomination.
“I’m getting a late start. I have two very credible opponents that I’m running against — people I have respect for and people who have put together very good campaigns,” Smith said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m coming from behind, and I’m going to have to work my butt off to be competitive on Primary Day.”
Smith won’t be starting completely from scratch. As of March, he had roughly $31,000 left over from his gubernatorial campaign. As a darling of the Democratic Party establishment, he should have little trouble replenishing his campaign account.
“I plan to have a strong organization. I plan to have a lot of support,” he said. “I think my record stands out as someone who can get a lot of tough things done and who is known for being able to work with a lot of different people and bring people together — and I think those messages will be attractive to primary voters.”
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So does this mean that Shap will decide to re-support legalization of weed now that he’s looking for votes? Or perhaps he’s given up on that due to his flip-flop this year after he bowed out of the gubernatorial race.
Finally the whole state will get a chance to vote against Shap for his years of ignoring the public in favor of his campaign donors.
The commitment that Shap Smith has made to the public is beyond words. His wife is battling cancer..have some respect! I’m sure it has been very difficult for him and his family when they are dealing with cancer.
musical chairs for the Dem primary just got a little tighter. Z, Kesha, Shap. two of these folks will be sorta outa state government for a while.
i wonder if Shap can reuse or sorta re-purpose signs?
Our chance to vote for Shumlin Junior. No way.
Really???? That’s exactly what our State doesn’t need. Mr. Smith has proved time and time again that he is not a leader. Those that lead do so for the people they represent, not to advance their own political agendas. True leaders do the right thing regardless of what it might mean to their own ambitions. Mr. Smith, you are not a leader and if you had any conscience at all, and you really want to help, stay home!!!!!