Vt. Legislature re-elects Democrat Shumlin as governor
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont's new Legislature re-elected the state's governor Thursday in the second day of its session after the incumbent failed to get more than 50% of the vote in November.
Democrat Peter Shumlin won Thursday's election 110-69 with 61.5% of lawmakers' votes.
In the November election, Shumlin got 46.4% of the vote, beating Republican Scott Milne, who received 45.1%, by 2,434 votes. Libertarian Dan Feliciano finished third in November but received no votes Thursday.
The Vermont Constitution requires a joint session of the state House and Senate to choose the governor and two other high-ranking offices when no candidate gets a majority of the votes.
"It's been an incredible honor to serve as governor of Vermont, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this state I love," Shumlin said in a statement. "I expect this will be a productive session addressing the issues Vermonters care about so deeply."
Shumlin was sworn in Thursday afternoon and followed with his inaugural address.
"In my inaugural and budget addresses, I will offer my proposals to help expand our economy, grow jobs and increase affordability because I know that many in Vermont still are not feeling the benefit of our economic recovery," he said. "I will also propose ways to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in making sure state government operates at a price Vermonters can afford while providing critical services to our most vulnerable."
Shumlin and state lawmakers face a projected $99.5 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1.
In recent Vermont history, the second-place finisher has conceded to the top vote-getter even if that politician did not receive a majority. That happened in 2011, when Shumlin won his first term, and 2003.
But Milne, 55, a travel agency president and political newcomer from Pomfret, Vt., declined to concede, setting up Thursday's vote. Milne's father, Don Milne, is clerk of the state House.
"I think it's a good day for Vermont," Scott Milne said after the vote. "I was happy to be a part of it. I think the road that's led us here has a lot of people feeling like one person can make a difference."
Shumlin, 58, a long-time lawmaker who moved from Putney, Vt., to East Montpelier after being elected governor in 2010, repeatedly has said he believes that lawmakers should give a nod to the top vote-getter.
Across the USA, 31 of the nation's governors are Republicans, 18 are Democrats and Alaska Gov. Bill Walker is an independent.
Contributing: The Associated Press