BURLINGTON, Vt. -
For the first time in 15 years, Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell is fighting to keep his title. He's facing a challenge from Chittenden County Prosecutor T.J. Donovan. It's the only hotly contested race on today's primary ballot.
It can be difficult for two Democrats to differentiate themselves in a close primary. Tuesday morning, the two candidates even sounded the same.
"I think we've got great momentum," Sorrell said. "I feel like things are breaking our way."
"I feel good," Donovan said. "We have the momentum, we're better organized, we've just been endorsed by two other papers."
Despite the fact that Bill Sorrell has served as the attorney general in Vermont for 15 years, it's the first time either candidate has had to aggressively campaign for the statewide race.
"It will all be turnout. That's the huge question in any primary, but particularly an August primary in a so-called down ticket race," Sorrell said.
"We want everyone to come out and vote," Donovan said. "We feel very good. I'm getting a lot of positive reaction from the voters this morning."
Sorrell worries a low turnout could hurt his chances. Given his wide-reaching name recognition after 15 years in office, he says the general public is more likely to vote for him-- that is if they show up. Tuesday, few voters showed up at the polls. The secretary of state anticipates only 8-10 percent of Vermonters made it out to vote.
"We haven't had many busy primaries. Our primaries are usually slow," said Laurie Broe of Georgia.
Those who did turn out remain divided.
"I support Sorrell because I feel like he's done a good job," said Leslie Fry, who supports Sorrell.
"I think T.J.'s younger, he's got a more open mind and he'll be better for that position," said Jim Robar, who supports Donovan.
Town clerks say enthusiasm for the attorney general's race is generally low, but they're expecting big things come November.
It's been a close race all along and it will likely end that way. The two candidates will deliver speeches tonight right next door to each other, Bill Sorrell will be at the Marriott and T.J. Donovan at the Hilton next door.
T.J. Donovan and Bill Sorrell
