The Winooski Democrat has faced little opposition in his bid for state treasurer. But questions remain about his role leading the Department of Financial Regulation’s investigation of the largest fraud in Vermont’s history.
The candidate for Vermont state treasurer supports transitioning the state’s public pension investments away from fossil fuels, he said, but “it just comes down to when and how.”
Despite having essentially no competition, the former financial regulation commissioner is campaigning and fundraising vigorously, earning the support of a range of political insiders.
The perennial candidate had vowed to rescind his nomination in order for the party to nominate its preferred pick. But when no one else agreed to run, H. Brooke Paige was put forward again for the open statewide post.
Scott easily defeated two Republican primary challengers, and Siegel was unopposed in the Democratic race. Mike Pieciak faced no competition to win the Democratic nomination for state treasurer.
That’s according to the latest batch of fundraising reports filed Aug. 1 with the Secretary of State’s Office. The reports cover raising and spending for state candidates and political action committees for the month of July.
Gaffney had been serving in the role on an interim basis after former commissioner, Mike Pieciak, resigned in May to run for state treasurer. The governor also appointed Emily Brown deputy commissioner of insurance.
New disclosures provide a timely glimpse at the financial picture for statewide and legislative candidates — as well as for the coalition of organizations working to secure passage of Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment.
Perennial candidate H. Brooke Paige is now the only Republican primary contender in Vermont’s races for treasurer, auditor, secretary of state and attorney general.
Thursday was the deadline for Vermont political hopefuls to file their primary candidacy petitions with the Secretary of State’s Office.
The state will have at least four new leaders in top executive roles come January, at least one new member of Congress and dozens of new state legislators.
Last fall, Vermont school staff asked lawmakers to hold off on passing new education laws in the upcoming legislative session. But roughly seven months later, as the legislative session nears its end, lawmakers’ plates have been full when it comes to education bills.
Pieciak is the first to announce his candidacy for the post. Beth Pearce, who has served as treasurer since 2011, announced Wednesday that she would not run for re-election this year, and has endorsed Pieciak.
After months of anticipation and delays, a crowd packed into the Statehouse lobby Thursday to watch the unveiling of a new portrait: Alexander Twilight, the first person of African descent to serve in a state Legislature and to graduate from a U.S. college.
