Editor’s note: This story is by Susan Youngwood, a reporter from Montpelier.
Phil Scott kept the position of lieutenant governor in the Republican column last night, defeating Democrat Steve Howard, 50 to 42 percent, according to unofficial results from the WCAX Web site. Scott had 105,202 votes to Howard’s 87,182, with almost 95 percent of precincts reporting.
Reflecting on the possibility that Democrat Peter Shumlin will win the gubernatorial race, Scott said, “If it is Peter: I served for eight years with Peter. We have a great amount of respect for each other. I understand how he works and ticks.” Scott added that he strives to work to reach consensus; “I can attain that with Peter.”
Scott, state senator from Washington County since 2000, attributed his strong showing to his “unique background” which, he said “connected with a lot of people.” He said he appealed to the sporting community, contractors and racing buffs, among others.
Scott, 52, grew up in Barre and is best known as a stock-car driver at Barre’s Thunder Road SpeedBowl (his nickname is Flying Senator). He co-owns DuBois Construction Company.
Rep. Howard, who was not present at the Democratic headquarters on election night, said in a press release: “Phil ran a good race and I would like congratulate him on becoming the Lt. Governor Elect. This was a good race that focused on the issues and the future of the state of Vermont.”
In his victory speech, Scott reacted to a statement made by Vice President Joe Biden at a rally Monday that the Vermont Republican Party today is not the same Republican party of George Aiken, Vermont’s longtime senator.
“With all due respect to our vice president, I beg to differ,” said Scott. “I take exception to that. Whether you call us George Aiken, Dean Davis, Bob Stafford or Dick Snelling Republicans, we are Vermonters, too. And we are right here. And I am one of them.”
Scott called for Vermont Republicans and Democrats to work toward consensus.
“We do need to work together in a common sense fashion, in a Vermont way, to accomplish the goals we all share,” he said to a jubilant crowd.
Pundits had predicted that Scott would win by a comfortable margin over Howard, Progressive Marjorie Power, Socialist Boots Wardinski and Independent Peter Garritano.
With this win, Scott is the Republican with the highest profile political position in Vermont. He will be surrounded by Democrats in both the state house and senate.
“I’ve always been in the minority,” Scott said. “It’s nothing new to me. I think I can help.”
He explained, “I’m not combative. I can bridge gaps. I’m the right person to help with the transition.”
Scott said that he tried to keep negativity out of his campaigning.
“In the five races I’ve run, I’ve never run a negative campaign,” he said. “I don’t believe in doing it that way. If going to change tone of politics, in Washington — we have to look at ourselves first.”
Scott brought his Thunder Cow to GOP headquarters. As part of “The Cows Come Home to Burlington” community art project, artist Richard Wobby designed this bright green fiberglass cow. Thunder Cow will be auctioned off online on Nov. 6 with proceeds going to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.
Howard, 39, worked at his family’s general store in Rutland while growing up. He served a total of 12 years in the Vermont House, running for his first term while still a senior at Boston College. He served as chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, and is now a consultant for grassroots organizing and fundraising, working for a variety of nonprofits.
