Republican Scott Milne said Thursday he will likely tell the public Monday how he plans to proceed with his campaign for governor.
Milne on Nov. 4 lost the popular vote by 2,434 votes against incumbent Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin. But because neither candidate garnered more than 50 percent of the votes, the Legislature will choose a governor in January.
Milne last month declined a recount but said he considered the race ongoing. Thursday, he said he is “leaning toward moving forward with the campaign.”
Milne said that does not necessarily mean he will lobby legislators for their votes. He said he would reveal more of his strategy Monday.
“I hope they vote for me if I go forward but the argument for that I’ll talk about on Monday,” he said. He said he will not ask lawmakers to vote the way their districts voted.
Milne said soon after the election he wasn’t sure how he would proceed, but said he is more certain now.
“Clearly, if I knew I wanted out I would have got out on Nov. 5th,” he said. “There’s still a possibility I might not go forward, although I think it’s unlikely.”
Milne said the Thanksgiving holiday gave him time to mull his decision and talk to many people. He believes he is a better candidate than Shumlin.
“Very few people have suggested that I don’t go forward,” he said. “If I go forward it’s going to be primarily because I think it’s in the best interest of Vermont.”
