WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Douglas Defeats Symington, Pollina
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Montpelier, Vermont - November 4, 2008
Election night started as a nervous night for Republicans-- wary of how the strong democratic turnout would impact the Governor's race. New voters were a wildcard-- could incumbent Gov. Jim Douglas clear 50 percent?
"So we need to be sure there is a more substantial percentage in before reaching any conclusions," Douglas said early on.
But throughout the night, Douglas had the lead-- staying above 50 percent.
His two challengers were in a distant fight for second. Around 10 p.m. Democrat Gaye Symington conceded she had lost.
"As long as you remember to speak for yourself and for others. I hope you will give your voice to the public debate by running for office. I'm glad I did. Thank you so so much!" Symington told her supporters.
Then Independent Anthony Pollina admitted he too had lost. But with numbers so close to the Democrat, he did keep the door open for a future run-- already making the case he could be a consensus candidate.
"We've reached out to people who have considered themselves democrats for generations who said they're voting for an independent. Why? Because your ideas are the same as mine and we're tired of being taken for granted," Pollina told his supporters.
After being cautious all night, the Republican declared victory-- a strong win in a democratic year in a democratic state.
"Vermonters have embraced my economic growth plan that I have presented and they now expect everyone in Montpelier-- regardless of political party-- to work together to implement it and to insure prosperity for all. That's my pledge to the people of Vermont. I look forward to getting down to business starting tomorrow. Sorry staff," Douglas said with a grin.
Kristin Carlson - WCAX News
