WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Matt Dunne Makes it Official

Matt Dunne Makes it Official

White River Junction, Vermont - November 3, 2009

A year before the election, Democrat Matt Dunne launched his campaign quietly in front of friends and family.

"Vermonters across the state are ready for change," Dunne said.

The 39-year-old has served in the Vermont Legislature and now works for Google. He says high-tech jobs, renewable energy and making government more efficient will be a priority.

"If we do things like invest in bringing fiber to every home, invest in our institutions of higher education and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of building a new economy," Dunne said.

Dunne is up against three other Democrats; Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, State Senator Doug Racine and State Senator Susan Bartlett. Dunne declined to talk about them, but he's known as a strong organizer; able to reach out to young people. He got a letter from the Essex High School Class President ready to volunteer for his campaign.

"That gives me all the energy I need to reach out to people and share what I'm hearing," Dunne said.

While the Democrats have a crowded field in the primary race for governor, the Republican challenger-- current Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie-- is not facing a primary challenge. So that means he can focus all his attention on the general election in November.

Vt. Republican Party Chairman Rob Roper said, "I think it's an advantage to some extent-- you take the flip side of that-- and you are going to be covering the campaigns that have the most action."

But Roper says Republicans are revved up for the election despite the lack of a primary battle.

"I think it's a question of ego-- in terms of the number of Democrats who have jumped in the primary-- as I said the challenge I think they are going to have is we have a very difficult legislative session coming up and they are essentially asking the voters of Vermont to give them full control of government," Roper said.

Matt Dunne ran against incumbent Brian Dubie for Lieutenant Governor and lost in 2006.

"Brian and I have been in touch over the last three years. It's a small state and I look forward to a good debate over the issues and future for the state of Vermont," Dunne said.

Hoping to stand out in what's become a crowded contest.

Kristin Carlson - WCAX News