Vermont's Independent Voice
Browse News
Browse Arts + Culture
Browse Food + Drink
Browse Cannabis
Browse Music
Browse On Screen
Browse Events
Browse Classifieds
Browse Personals
Thursday, August 13, 2015
News Shap Smith Registers As Candidate for Governor
Posted
By Paul Heintz
on Thu, Aug 13, 2015 at 1:33 PM
Updated at 2:11 p.m.
Though he continues to play coy about his political future, House Speaker Shap Smith (D-Morristown) has already filed paperwork indicating he's running for governor in 2016.
Those who raise or spend $500 in pursuit of public office must register as candidates with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office. Smith did so Tuesday, according to the office's online database.
In his filing, Smith said he was seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. He listed Sen. Claire Ayer (D-Addison) as his treasurer and former KSE Partners lobbyist Liz Sortino as a contact. Sortino, who briefly led the House Democratic political action committee last year, has been rumored as a likely campaign coordinator for Smith.
The registration form asks, “Running in this election?”
Smith wrote, “Yes.”
According to Ayer, Smith reached out to her more than a month ago to solicit her support. He called her “a couple weeks ago” to ask her to serve as his campaign treasurer, she said.
“I really think he knows how to lead,” she said. “He knows how to inspire action.”
Ayer said Smith shares her priorities around health care and education reform, and he “understands the issues.”
“I think he’s the right person at the right time, and he’ll be a great leader,” she said. “He just has to get out there and be visible.”
Smith, who was first elected to the House in 2002 and who has served as speaker since 2009, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday afternoon.
He told WDEV's Mark Johnson Thursday morning that he would announce his plans next Wednesday in Morrisville, though he declined to say what those plans would be. Citing "two high-ranking Democrats," the Associated Press' Dave Gram reported later Thursday that Smith would be running for governor.
Ayer said she expects to speak at Smith’s formal announcement next week.
Smith is not the first to register as a candidate. Former senator Matt Dunne, a Google executive from Hartland, filed in July, shortly before announcing a sizable fundraising haul. Dunne has also played coy about his intentions.
The two are hoping to replace incumbent Gov. Peter Shumlin, who announced in June he will not seek a fourth term.
See Smith's candidate registration statement below:
Though he continues to play coy about his political future, House Speaker Shap Smith (D-Morristown) has already filed paperwork indicating he's running for governor in 2016.
Those who raise or spend $500 in pursuit of public office must register as candidates with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office. Smith did so Tuesday, according to the office's online database.
In his filing, Smith said he was seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. He listed Sen. Claire Ayer (D-Addison) as his treasurer and former KSE Partners lobbyist Liz Sortino as a contact. Sortino, who briefly led the House Democratic political action committee last year, has been rumored as a likely campaign coordinator for Smith.
The registration form asks, “Running in this election?”
Smith wrote, “Yes.”
According to Ayer, Smith reached out to her more than a month ago to solicit her support. He called her “a couple weeks ago” to ask her to serve as his campaign treasurer, she said.
“I really think he knows how to lead,” she said. “He knows how to inspire action.”
Ayer said Smith shares her priorities around health care and education reform, and he “understands the issues.”
“I think he’s the right person at the right time, and he’ll be a great leader,” she said. “He just has to get out there and be visible.”
Smith, who was first elected to the House in 2002 and who has served as speaker since 2009, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday afternoon.
He told WDEV's Mark Johnson Thursday morning that he would announce his plans next Wednesday in Morrisville, though he declined to say what those plans would be. Citing "two high-ranking Democrats," the Associated Press' Dave Gram reported later Thursday that Smith would be running for governor.
Ayer said she expects to speak at Smith’s formal announcement next week.
Smith is not the first to register as a candidate. Former senator Matt Dunne, a Google executive from Hartland, filed in July, shortly before announcing a sizable fundraising haul. Dunne has also played coy about his intentions.
The two are hoping to replace incumbent Gov. Peter Shumlin, who announced in June he will not seek a fourth term.
See Smith's candidate registration statement below:
Shap Smith Registers as Democratic Candidate for Governor
Comments
Showing 1-1 of 1
Comments are closed.
Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. While we’ve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down — at least temporarily.
While we champion free speech, facts are a matter of life and death during the coronavirus pandemic, and right now Seven Days is prioritizing the production of responsible journalism over moderating online debates between readers.
To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. Or send us a tip. We’ll check it out and report the results.
Online comments may return when we have better tech tools for managing them. Thanks for reading.
About The Author
Paul Heintz
Bio:
Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.
Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.
