[S]en. John Rodgers, D-Orleans, is floating the idea of a run for lieutenant governor. He is consulting with friends and allies and is beginning to craft a fundraising plan to mount a legitimate fight.
Rodgers, who considers himself a moderate, says he may have a chance against two more liberal candidates in the Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor — Rep. Kesha Ram, D-Burlington, and Sen. David Zuckerman, P/D-Chittenden.
If Rodgers decides to run he would be joining a crowded field that also includes Brandon Riker, of Marlboro, who has never held elected office.
“I think that I would be better than the current field, so I’m considering it,” Rodgers said. “I’ve got some folks looking at numbers and figuring out a path forward. If it looks doable and feasible I’ve got to figure out if it fits into my personal life.”
Dr. Louis Meyers, an independent, is also running.
Former gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock is the only Republican to have announced.
Rodgers said if elected he could more effectively work with Republicans and Democrats than his more liberal counterparts.
“I’ve got a track record of working with people of all parties,” he said. “I think I could work with all of the gubernatorial candidates.”
He laid out a platform focused on economic and energy reforms.
“Taxes and cost of living are growing faster than Vermonters’ income,” he said. “We need to figure out how to get more good jobs in the state and keep people’s incomes rising.”
Rodgers, who represents Essex and Orleans, currently serves on the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as well as vice chair of Institutions. Before his work in the Senate, Rodgers served eight years in the House.
A fifth-generation Vermonter who was born in St. Johnsbury, Rodgers owns a masonry business in Glover.
Rodgers recently voted in favor of marijuana legalization. He has also introduced a bill to ban industrial wind, citing the detrimental environmental and scenic impacts on the state.
Rodgers said he wants a Vermont-based renewable energy economy that favors local developers and keeps solar and wind power within state borders.
“When Vermonters drive by a solar field or wind farm, they think that energy is going to Vermont, and none of it is,” he said. “I don’t think most Vermonters are aware of that.”
Rodgers said he is concerned about the financial resources required to mount a successful campaign, but said he would most likely not run a publicly financed campaign, adding the money provided is inadequate and the spending restrictions are draconian.
“I’m not in a hurry, I’m going to be very thoughtful and deliberative about this,” he said. “My main job right now is to work in the Senate and represent my constituents.”
Zuckerman has already met the threshold to qualify for public financing and could have as much as $50,000 at his disposal for the primary and $150,000 for the general election.
