House Republicans nominated Essex Rep. Linda Myers Thursday as their candidate to run against Democrat Mitzi Johnson in the race to replace outgoing House speaker Shap Smith.
Because Democrats hold a roughly 30-seat majority in the House, Johnson –who chairs the House Appropriations Committee — will likely face few roadblocks in securing the post.
But Republicans — emboldened by Republican Phil Scott’s easy victory to the office of governor — are hoping for a Myers victory, and see it as helpful in pushing Scott’s agenda of fiscal prudence.
Myers’ name was floated as a potential candidate by Stowe Rep. Heidi Scheuermann during a Republican caucus meeting Wednesday morning. After a night of little sleep, Myers called House Minority Leader Don Turner Thursday afternoon to say she would accept the nomination.
“I’ve often thought to myself, ‘I could do this job,’” said Myers, an Essex resident who has served in the Legislature for 15 years. “I’m hoping that, if elected, I can work with governor-elect Scott to help achieve his priorities.”
Myers is vice chair of the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions, and also serves on the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. She said she has fostered strong relationships with Democrats in her many years in the chamber, and she said that, if elected, she would work in the middle.
“I’m not averse to naming Democrats as chairs of committees,” Myers said.
“This will be a serious campaign, not a token run,” Scheuermann promised Thursday. “She will get support from Democrats and independents because she’s well respected and has a good deal of experience.”
Turner said that Myers received unwavering support from the 46 Republicans at Wednesday’s meeting, and that he was confident the entire Republican caucus would back her once they were all notified of her candidacy.
Turner, however, acknowledged that Johnson is well-liked and that Myers is an underdog. Turner said he had a “good working relationship” with Johnson.
“It’s not about Rep. Johnson’s weaknesses, she has a great deal of respect,” Scheuermann said. “It’s a different vision, a speaker to be nonpartisan, to work across the political spectrum. Myers is a moderate who will advance the agenda of Phil Scott.”
Johnson could not be reached for comment.
Whoever triumphs in a House vote in January will become Vermont’s third female speaker of the House, after Consuelo Bailey and Gaye Symington.
