Rep. Don Turner (R-Milton), the minority leader of the Vermont House, is circulating petitions to run for lieutenant governor, according to several friends and associates.
If he gathers and submits 500 signatures by Thursday’s filing deadline, the Milton Republican would face off against first-term Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive and Democrat from Hinesburg.
Turner has not formally announced a run and could still back out. He declined an interview request, writing in a text message, “I prefer not to comment until which time I make my final decision.”
Ron Hubert, Turner’s former district-mate in the House, has been collecting signatures for his friend at Milton’s Middle Road Market, which Hubert owns. He said Tuesday that he had gathered 50 signatures.
Milton Selectboard member Brenda Steady, Turner’s cousin, said she has also been on the hunt for signatures. “I’ve got a page here,” she said. “I haven’t got them all filled out yet.”
The 53-year-old realtor has served in the House for more than a dozen years and has led the Republican caucus since 2011. Turner stepped down last year as Milton’s fire and rescue chief, but he picked up yet another job: Milton town manager. At the time, he said he would have to reevaluate after the 2018 legislative session whether he could juggle both his legislative and municipal roles.
But according to Steady and fellow selectboard member John Palasik, town leaders are confident the part-time lieutenant gubernatorial position would not interfere with Turner’s role as town manager.
“We have not had any issues in this last year. In fact, he’s been doing a very good job with us,” Palasik said. “We’re guessing it’d probably be the same time [commitment].”
Said Steady, who used to work as Turner’s personal assistant, “I think he can handle it. He’s a person who can take care of the people.”
The Vermont Republican Party has struggled this year to recruit candidates for higher office. No well-known, well-funded Republicans have stepped up to oppose Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) or the five other statewide Democratic and Progressive officeholders up for reelection this fall.
“I was beginning to be surprised that there wasn’t going to be a challenge, given that it’s the second-highest office in the state,” Zuckerman said of his position. “I think it’s good for different ideas to be debated, so I welcome the discussion.”
An organic farmer who spent 18 years in the legislature, Zuckerman defeated Republican Randy Brock in the 2016 election by a vote of 52 to 46 percent. He said he gets along well with Turner and hopes to run a positive race.
“I think it’ll be an interesting discussion about style, leadership and policy,” Zuckerman said. “And I feel pretty confident Vermonters are happy with what I’ve done and hopefully will send me back again.”
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Terrific – a choice between an extreme right Fascist and and extreme left Nut Case.
Don Turner is far from a right wing “fascist” – he is a man of common sense and integrity. Someone all Vermonters can count on to keep his word act in the best interest of all Vermonters !
In a match-up between David and Don, I would confidently support the Minority Leader.
Getting 500 signatures in a couple of days is a real challenge, especially without the aid of a couple of county or statewide events to “work” to fill you petition. It’s not the couple of pages needed to qualify for State Rep or State Senator !
Turner is a real estate guy, Trump is a real estate guy: automatic disqualification.
Turner is a real estate guy, Miro is a real estate guy: double disqualification.
Real estate guys have no business being anywhere near the levers of power. They will sell off everything that isn’t nailed down. They are Hucksters by nature and cannot resist the Grift Reflex.
Best news Ive heard so far this legislative session. Its a little scary thinking Zuckerman is one step away from the Governors Office.
Turner wants out, found a replacement and will take one for the GOP by running for LG. He said, sure I’ll do it but you gotta find people to gather the signatures cuz I ain’t doin’ it. Like Gaye Symington did when she ran for governor. Riding it out in style.
From the looks of things the entire country could use more David Zuckermans in politics. Ethics and integrity
once meant something in the USA.
Zuckerman has been great whereas Turner has been not so good, he’s even worse than Scott is on issues.
Well, let’s see there’s a lot here who wants to keep the pothead crooked present LG. the one who admitted he falsified his reimbursements while in legislation, but thinks it’s ok, that he deserve it..only can imagine what he has falsified while in the LG seat. Yeah sure want to keep that crook in office.. I’ll take Turner any day. I’m going to look up these places and sign my name on the sheet for Turner.. liberal Zuckerman thinks he’s king turd. under the golden dome..He needs to go back to Brookline, Massachusetts, where he belongs.