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Governor Keeps Vermont Guessing

Middlebury, Vermont - April 29, 2005

At the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, people are raising money for cancer research. The Middlebury walk may be the backdrop for the beginning of a political race. Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vermont, and Rep. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, stood side-by-side at the event's opening ceremonies. Both have been considered possible candidates for a U.S. Senate run in 2006. It's a possibility Douglas may answer Saturday. He has announced he'll hold a press conference. But he is tight-lipped about what he will say.

"I don't know. I guess I'll probably talk about my future political plans," he told Channel 3's Kate Duffy. Asked what they are he replied: "You'll have to come and see, Kate." Prodded for a sneak preview he smiled: "You wouldn't tell anyone, would you?"

Sen. Jim Jeffords, I-Vermont, announced last week he would retire instead of seeking a fourth term in Washington. Political insiders say if Douglas is making an announcement this early, it likely means he will seek re-election instead of a Senate seat.

"I'll have something to say about it tomorrow. I'm not being very helpful am I? I have to give the weekend crew something to do, right?" he joked.

One likely Senate candidate-- Bernie Sanders. Asked for comment on Douglas' planned announcement on his political future Sanders replied: "No, (no comment) at all. That's Governor Douglas' decision."

A decision the governor will keep secret until Saturday.

Kate Duffy - Channel 3 News