The Perfect Enemy | Phil Scott to run for reelection

Governor Scott, at a job fair in Essex Jct in April, explains why Vermont’s economy is short on workers while also having thousands of job openings. Scott announced this morning that he would seek a fourth term as governor. VBM photo

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine In a letter to supporters released this morning, Republican Governor Phil Scott announced he would seek reelection to a fourth term. He previously told VermontBiz that he would announce his decision about the time the Legislature adjourned, which they did last Thursday. Scott has been elected and reelected by wide margins. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been praised here and across the nation, including by Dr Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden. Scott has also been a counter-weight to some of the bills passed by the Democratically controlled Legislature.

Scott recently vetoed the Clean Heat Standard bill, which withstood an override by one vote. He has also vetoed the state budget on occasion as a negotiating tool. He has emphasized fiscal restraint on the one hand, and on the other has supported a strong pandemic response, Black Lives Matter and abortion rights.

In his campaign letter today, titled in an email “More work to do,” he emphasized his moderate approach by saying: “We’ve proven that when we put politics aside and pull together, we can successfully navigate a once-in-a-century pandemic better than most every other state across the country.”

Politicians across the state from all parties have been waiting for this decision, which is coming fairly late in the game. He told Stewart Ledbetter of NBC5 in April that waiting to announce essentially gave him more leverage in the legislative process. Only Democrat Brenda Siegel from Newfane previously had declared her intent to run for governor.

As the state waited on Scott, many other political leaders are leaving their current posts to run for another or to simply step aside for good or for now, in an unprecedented election year.

There will be no incumbents in the races for US Senate, US Representative, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, or treasurer. Many long-serving state senators, including the president pro tem, are moving on.

Governor Scott Letter. May 17, 2022.

First, I want to thank you for all the support you’ve given me over the years.

In that time, we’ve made a lot of progress, like record budget surpluses and record investments in housing, infrastructure, broadband, combating climate change, and more.

We’ve stopped multiple attempts to raise taxes, fees and the cost of living on already overburdened Vermonters. And while not nearly enough, we’ve even provided some much needed tax relief.

We’ve proven that when we put politics aside and pull together, we can successfully navigate a once-in-a-century pandemic better than most every other state across the country.

At a time when America seems more divided and polarized than ever, I’ve worked to bring people together. Listening to – and learning from – all points of view, so we can try to find consensus. Always treating others – even when we fundamentally disagree – with respect and dignity. And I’ve never run a negative campaign and never will, because Vermonters, and all Americans, deserve a better and more civil political space – if for no other reason than to be better role models for our children, because they’re watching us.

Together, we’ve made a difference.

But there’s still much more work to do!

That’s why I’ve decided to seek another term as governor.

My priority won’t be campaigning. I will continue to focus on doing the job you hired me to do and leading our state. You’ll hear more from me in the months ahead, but for now, I just wanted to let you know what I’ve decided.

Thank you for having my back. I’ve always said, whether it’s business, politics or racing, success is always about the team you surround yourself with. And I’m honored to have you on mine.

Sincerely,

Phil