In the first episode of “Digger Dialogue,” reporters Jasper Craven and Terri Hallenbeck join host Mark Johnson to examine the contests for Vermont governor and lieutenant governor.
The three discuss the strengths and weakness of the two major party candidates running for the top job, Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and Democrat Sue Minter, the former Transportation Secretary.
The reporters also probe the major issues in the race for the lieutenant governor’s position, being sought by Republican Randy Brock and Progressive/Democrat David Zuckerman, and give background on the U.S. Senate contest between seven-term Democratic incumbent Patrick Leahy and Republican businessman Scott Milne.
The governor’s race has drawn great interest given that it is an open seat. Gov. Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, is stepping down after three terms. The lieutenant governor position is also open because the incumbent, Scott, is seeking the governorship.
Craven, a political reporter for VTDigger, also talked about his experience covering the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign and a story he wrote about Sen. Leahy’s daughter, who works as a lobbyist. Hallenbeck, a reporter for Seven Days newspaper, reflected on how the 2016 race differed from earlier elections. She also spoke about the conflict between Democrats and Progressives and whether they will effectively work together to assist Zuckerman.
The discussion also veered into a poetry reading last week by Billy Collins and Hallenbeck’s recent adventure walking town to town in England.
“Digger Dialogue” is a weekly production of VTDigger and will include roundtable discussions and interviews with news figures, public policy makers and interesting Vermonters we run into along the way.
To receive the podcast automatically on your mobile device, go to podcasts and search for vtdigger and subscribe. You can also subscribe directly through Itunes.
