2014 Vermont gubernatorial election

none related races 2014 United States gubernatorial elections January 2025 January 2015 2014 Vermont gubernatorial election Vermont presidential no 2012 Vermont gubernatorial election 2012 2016 Vermont gubernatorial election 2016 2014 11 4 File:Peter Shumlin (cropped).jpg 150x150px Peter Shumlin Democratic Party (United States) 89,509 46.36% 110 File:Scott Milne -- Vermont politician and businessman -- 2017-05-15-3 (cropped).jpg Scott Milne Republican Party (United States) 87,075 45.10% 69 x220px County results x220px Municipality results x220px Precinct results Shumlin: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996E2 50–60% #6674DE 60–70% #584CDE 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% Milne: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #D75D5D 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% #808080 No votes Governor Peter Shumlin Democratic Party (United States) Peter Shumlin Democratic Party (United States) The 2014 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2014, to elect the governor of Vermont, concurrently with elections to the United States Senate in other states, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic governor Peter Shumlin ran for reelection to a third term in office against Republican businessman Scott Milne, Libertarian businessman Dan Feliciano and several other minor party and independent candidates. Based on election polling, Shumlin's large financial advantage and the state's strong Democratic lean in presidential elections, Shumlin was expected to win easily, but he received only a plurality, not a majority, of the vote and polled only 2,434 votes more than Milne out of 193,087 cast. The Constitution of Vermont requires that the 180-member Vermont General Assembly choose the winner when no candidate receives over 50% of the popular vote.Close election recalls recent recounts http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/06/election-recalls-recent-recounts/18622085/ November 11, 2014 The Burlington Free Press November 7, 2014 As a result, on January 8, 2015,http://vtdigger.org/2014/12/08/video-scott-milne-asks-lawmakers-vote-january/ Trail Mix: Milne concedes he won't concede VTDigger Anne Galloway December 8, 2014 January 4, 2015 the Assembly chose Shumlin over Milne by a vote of 110 to 69, with one abstention.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/08/vermont-legislature-vote/21394309/ Shumlin defeats Milne in Legislature governor vote Free Press Staff January 8, 2015 January 8, 2015 The result of the election prompted much debate and analysis amongst commentators and the political parties. The 2014 U.S. elections saw Republicans make sweeping gains in federal, state, and local offices across the country, and Republicans won gubernatorial victories in the Democratic-leaning Northeastern states of Maryland and Massachusetts. With a margin of 1.3%, this election was the second-closest race of the 2014 gubernatorial election cycle, behind only the election in Florida. 2026, this was also the last time a Democrat won the governorship of Vermont. Background Four-term Republican governor Jim Douglas did not run for reelection in 2010. In the race to succeed him, Democratic nominee Peter Shumlin, the president pro tempore of the Vermont Senate, received 49.5% of the vote while Republican nominee Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie received 47.7%. As neither candidate received a majority, the General Assembly was required to pick the winner in January 2011. Dubie did not contest the vote; he conceded the race on election night and called for Vermont to "unite" around Shumlin.http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/89189/dubie-asks-vermonters-to-unite-around-new-governor/ Dubie Asks Vermonters To Unite Around New Governor Vermont Public Radio November 3, 2010 August 3, 2013 Shumlin won the Assembly vote 145 to 28, with seven legislators not voting.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20101103/NEWS02/101103024/1007/news02/Dubie-concedes-to-Shumlin-in-Vermont-governor-a-race Dubie concedes to Shumlin in Vermont governor race burlingtonfreepress.com 2010-11-03July 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Vermont General Assembly, Journal of the Joint Assembly, January 6, 2011, page 5 Shumlin was reelected in 2012 against Republican state senator and former Vermont Auditor of Accounts Randy Brock by a landslide, 57.8% to 37.6%.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=726426 VT Governor 2014 Our Campaigns February 28, 2016 Vermont and New Hampshire are the only states in the country whose governors are elected every two years. An incumbent governor of Vermont had not been defeated for reelection since 1962, when Democrat Philip H. Hoff beat Republican F. Ray Keyser, Jr. by 1,315 votes.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/ContainerHistory.html?ContainerID=282 VT Governor 1962 August 3, 2013 Democratic primary Shumlin announced in December 2013 that he was running for reelection to a third term in office, but said that he would not begin campaigning until after Labor Day 2014, just two months before the election.http://www.7dvt.com/2013cashing-shumlin-dials-dollars-he-seeks-third-term Cashing In: Shumlin Dials for Dollars as He Seeks a Third Term December 4, 2013 December 9, 2013 Seven Days He faced one opponent in the Democratic primary on August 26: lifelong Republican and Washington, D.C. resident H. Brooke Paige,http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=807715 VT Governor - D Primary 2014 February 28, 2016 who simultaneously ran against Democratic incumbent William Sorrell in the Democratic primary election for Vermont attorney general. Paige was also unsuccessful in that effort, losing by 80% to 20%.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=807718 VT Attorney General - D Primary 2014 February 28, 2016 Candidates Nominee Peter Shumlin, incumbent governor Eliminated in primary H. Brooke Paige, former CEO of Remington News Service and Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2012 (also ran for attorney general)http://rutlandherald.com/article/20140614/NEWS03/706149920 Paige begins two-pronged political battle June 14, 2014 November 14, 2014 Rutland Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20141124161103/http://rutlandherald.com/article/20140614/NEWS03/706149920 November 24, 2014 dead mdy-allhttp://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/16/modern-day-mark-twain-joins-governor-race/10628751/ Modern-day Mark Twain joins governor race June 19, 2014 November 14, 2014 Seven Dayshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/08/26/where-can-you-run-for-two-offices-at-once-vermont-of-course/ Where can you run for two offices at once? Vermont, of course. August 26, 2014 November 14, 2014 The Washington Post Results Democratic primary resultshttp://az357346.vo.msecnd.net/resultsSW.aspx?type=SW&map=MPRC Unofficial Results - Primary Election - August 26, 2014 September 28, 2014 Vermont Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140903042919/http://az357346.vo.msecnd.net/resultsSW.aspx?type=SW&map=MPRC September 3, 2014 Peter Shumlin (incumbent) Democratic Party (United States) 15,260 76.96% H. Brooke Paige Democratic Party (United States) 3,199 16.13% Write-in Democratic Party (United States) 1,369 6.9% 19,828 100% Republican primary The Republicans initially struggled to recruit a candidate. Former governor Douglas and Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott announced early on that they would not run, and it was not until March 2014 that a candidate entered the race: marijuana legalization activist and former Independent gubernatorial candidate Emily Peyton.http://blogs.burlingtonfreepress.com/politics/2014/03/07/theres-a-candidate-running-for-governor-as-a-republican-but-isnt-really-from-the-party/ There's a candidate running for governor as a Republican — but isn't really from the party March 7, 2014 March 13, 2014 The Burlington Free Press Nancy Remsen This spurred Republicans to recruit a serious candidate, but they struggled to do so. Former Wall Street banker Bruce Lisman announced in May 2014 that he was not running, and attention turned to former state senator and 2012 nominee Randy Brock, State Representative Heidi Scheuermann and businessman Scott Milne.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2014/05/12/republican-milne-considers-run-governor/9009379/ Republican Milne considers run for governor May 12, 2014 May 13, 2014 The Burlington Free Press Terri Hallenbeck In May, Scheuermann said that she would not run, leaving the party with a month until the June 12 filing deadline to find a candidate.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2014/05/13/scheuermann-opts-run-governor/9032953/ Scheuermann opts against run for governor May 13, 2014 May 13, 2014 The Burlington Free Press Terri Hallenbeck Milne, who was traveling in Africa, announced that he would decide shortly before the deadline. Brock was urged to run and considered doing so,http://www.wptz.com/news/vermont-new-york/burlington/brock-decision-on-2014-run-for-governor-imminent/26255234 Brock decision on 2014 run for governor imminent May 30, 2014 November 18, 2014 WPTZ Stewart Ledbetter but revealed on June 8 that he would not.Brown Tom Brock bows out of GOP race for governor, Milne 'on the fence' http://vtdigger.org/2014/06/08/brock-bows-gop-race-governor-milne-fence/ VTDigger June 8, 2014 June 9, 2014 On the morning of filing deadline day, Milne announced that he would run.Peter Hirschfeld Republican Scott Milne Looks To Unseat Peter Shumlin http://digital.vpr.net/post/republican-scott-milne-looks-unseat-peter-shumlin VPR.net June 12, 2014 Vermont Public Radio June 20, 2014 He was joined in the Republican primary by Peyton and retired marketer and self-described "modern-day Mark Twain" Steve Berry. Also running but not appearing on the ballot was Dan Feliciano, who ran as a write-in candidate for the Republican nomination and was uncontested for the Libertarian nomination.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/08/23/vermont-gop-governor-primary/14462577/ GOP to choose a governor candidate The Burlington Free Press August 23, 2014 August 24, 2014 Terri Hallenbeck In the August 26 primary, Milne was nominated with over 70% of the vote.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=807716 VT Governor - R Primary 2014 February 28, 2016 Candidates Nominee Scott Milne, businessman, candidate for the state house in 2006 and son of former state legislators Don and Marion Milne Eliminated in primary Steve Berry, retired marketerKyle Midura June 12, 2014 GOP challenger to take on Gov. Peter Shumlin http://www.wcax.com/story/25759688/milne-to-run-for-vermont-governor dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140614204551/http://www.wcax.com/story/25759688/milne-to-run-for-vermont-governor June 14, 2014 July 23, 2014 WCAX mdy-all Dan Feliciano, businessman and independent candidate for governor in 2010 (write-in; also ran as a Libertarian) Emily Peyton, independent candidate for governor in 2010 and 2012 (also ran as an Independent) Declined Randy Brock, former state senator, former Vermont Auditor of Accounts and nominee for governor in 2012 Jim Douglas, former governorhttps://twitter.com/KirkCarapezza/status/294163440472309760 Jim Douglas, former governor, has ruled out run for statewide office Kirk Carapezza January 23, 2013 November 11, 2014 Bruce Lisman, banker Heidi Scheuermann, state representativehttp://www.stowetoday.com/stowe_reporter/news/article_0563281e-b5c0-11e3-812e-001a4bcf887a.html Eyeing the top seat? March 27, 2014 April 3, 2014 Stowe Today Lisa McCormack Phil Scott, lieutenant governor of Vermont (ran for re-election)http://digital.vpr.net/post/lt-gov-scott-says-its-unlikely-hell-run-governor Lt. Gov. Scott Says It's Unlikely He'll Run For Governor July 22, 2013 July 23, 2013 VPR Bob Kinzel Results Republican primary results Scott Milne Republican Party (United States) 11,486 71.74% Steve Berry Republican Party (United States) 1,106 6.91% Emily Peyton Republican Party (United States) 1,060 6.62% Brian Sarandon Republican Party (United States) 981 6.12% Write-in Republican Party (United States) 2,358 14.73% 16,010 100.00% Progressive primary Satisfied with his support for single-payer health care and his efforts to close Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, the Vermont Progressive Party had not run a candidate against Shumlin in 2010 or 2012. Its members discussed challenging him in 2014 because of his proposed cuts to social programs, but the party openly admitted that it lacked the money for a gubernatorial campaign, and no candidate came forward to run.http://blogs.burlingtonfreepress.com/politics/2013/08/06/should-progs-challenge-shumlin-in-14/ Should Progressives challenge Shumlin in 2014? The Burlington Free Press August 6, 2013 November 18, 2014http://vtdigger.org/2013/11/10/progressives-elect-mulvaney-stanek-chair-outlne-agenda/ Progressives elect Mulvaney-Stanak chair, outline agenda VTDigger November 10, 2013 November 18, 2014http://vtdigger.org/2013/06/14/if-progessives-challenge-shumlin-in-2014-its-the-governors-own-fault/ If progressives challenge Shumlin in 2014, it's his own fault VTDigger June 14, 2013 November 18, 2014 Candidates Declined Martha Abbott, former party chair Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, party chair and former Burlington City Councilor Anthony Pollina, nominee for governor in 2000 and 2008, state senator and former party chair Results Progressive primary results Write-in Vermont Progressive Party 114 100.00% Liberty Union primary Peter Diamondstone, who co-founded the Liberty Union Party and had run for elected office almost two dozen times, was unopposed. Candidates Declared Peter Diamondstone, party co-founder and perennial candidatehttp://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/15/liberty-union-party-still-running-without-win/10539063/ Liberty Union Party still running without a win June 15, 2014 July 28, 2014 The Burlington Free Press Results Liberty Union primary results Peter Diamondstone Liberty Union Party 133 89.26% Write-in Liberty Union Party 16 10.74% 149 100% Libertarian nomination Feliciano, a businessman who also ran as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary, was unopposed for the Libertarian nomination. Candidates Declared Dan Feliciano, businessman and independent candidate for governor in 2010 (also ran as a write-in in the Republican primary) Independent Candidates Declared Cris Ericson, perennial candidate (also ran for Vermont's at-large congressional district)http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2014/06/09/vtbuzz-know/10251805/ Big mysteries in Vermont election lineup The Burlington Free Press Terri Hallenbeck June 9, 2014 September 12, 2014 Bernard Peters Emily Peyton, independent candidate for governor in 2010 and 2012 (also ran in the Republican primary) Declined Bruce Lisman, banker General election Debates A general election debate, attended by party nominees Shumlin, Milne, Diamondstone and Feliciano and Independent candidates Ericson, Peters and Peyton, was held on October 9. It attracted considerable media attention and was described variously as "funny", "strange", "crazy", "one of the strangest of this election cycle", "very, very special" and "beard-filled".http://nation.foxnews.com/2014/10/22/funny-fox-nation-vermont-governor-debate-kookiest-loons-ever-stage Funny On Fox Nation: Vermont Governor Debate The Kookiest Loons Ever On Stage Fox News October 22, 2014 October 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193333/http://nation.foxnews.com/2014/10/22/funny-fox-nation-vermont-governor-debate-kookiest-loons-ever-stage March 4, 2016 dead mdy-allhttp://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/looking-back-at-the-strange-vermont-debate-343665731700 Looking back at the strange Vermont debate MSNBC October 14, 2014 October 10, 2015 February 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160221102659/http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/looking-back-at-the-strange-vermont-debate-343665731700 deadhttps://time.com/3507936/vermont-governor-debate/ America Needs More Crazy Debates Like In Vermont Denver Nicks Time October 15, 2014 October 10, 2015https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/x-reasons-the-vermont-governors-debate-was-th#.ndYxongpj 7 Reasons The Vermont Governor's Debate Was One Of The Strangest Debates This Year Andrew Kaczynski BuzzFeed October 14, 2014 October 10, 2015http://www.businessinsider.com/vermont-gubernatorial-debate-highlights-2014-10?IR=T Vermont's Gubernatorial Debate Was Very, Very Special Hunter Walker Colin Campbell Business Insider October 14, 2014 October 10, 2015https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/10/14/the-six-best-sentences-written-about-vermonts-beard-filled-gubernatorial-debate/ The 6 best sentences written about Vermont's beard-filled gubernatorial debate Jaime Fuller The Washington Post October 14, 2014 October 10, 2015http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/the-very--very-best-of-the-vermont-gubernatorial-debates-344397379603 The very, very best of the Vermont gubernatorial debates MSNBC October 17, 2014 October 10, 2015 July 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150726144005/http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/the-very--very-best-of-the-vermont-gubernatorial-debates-344397379603 dead Comments by all of the candidates apart from Shumlin drew media attention and laughter from the studio audience, such as Milne describing himself as "third-generation, born in Vermont", only to correct himself and state that he was born in Brooklyn; Ericson, who sported a large bow-topped hat, suggesting that poor Vermonters use their food stamps to buy lottery tickets and decrying "chemtrails"; Diamondstone, who wore jean shorts with suspenders and long socks and sported a large beard, calling for revolutionary socialism, the legalisation of all drugs and secession from the union, as well as comparing students to "slaves" because of the cost of higher education and responding to a question about the Department of Children and Families by railing against the U.S. military and the "Zionist regime"; Peters answering a question about the affordability of college in Vermont by saying that he had "no idea"; and self-described "light worker" Peyton shouting at Shumlin for allegedly closing highway restrooms and using her closing remarks to ask Vermonters if they'd rather choose money or love. Additional debates among the candidates were held, which also drew attention. Former governor Howard Dean described the debates as a "good thing for the state" and Time magazine's Denver Nicks called them a "breath of fresh air" and "pure entertainment". There was a final debate on October 29 with just the top three candidates: Shumlin, Milne and Feliciano.http://www.wptz.com/politics/full-video-vermont-gubernatorial-debate/29421270 Full Video: Vermont Gubernatorial Debate WPTZ October 30, 2014 October 10, 2015 Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2014 Governor Race Ratings for November 3, 2014 https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139257 The Cook Political Report September 3, 2018 Solid D November 3, 2014 Sabato's Crystal BallThe Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/the-crystal-balls-final-2014-picks/ Sabato's Crystal Ball November 3, 2014 September 3, 2018 Safe D November 3, 2014 Rothenberg Political Report2014 Gubernatorial Ratings http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/governor/2014-gubernatorial-ratings-november-3-2014 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report September 3, 2018 Safe D November 3, 2014 Real Clear Politics2014 Elections Map - 2014 Governors Races https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/2014_elections_governor_map.html Real Clear Politics September 3, 2018 Likely D November 3, 2014 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PeterShumlin (D) ScottMilne (R) EmilyPeyton (I) Other UndecidedCBS News/NYT/YouGovCBS News/NYT/YouGov October 16–23, 2014 329 ± 8% 47% 35% 2% 2% 13%CBS News/NYT/YouGovCBS News/NYT/YouGov September 20–October 1, 2014 328 ± 6% 46% 29% 11% 2% 12%CBS News/NYT/YouGovCBS News/NYT/YouGov August 18–September 2, 2014 430 ± 6% 45% 35% 2% 3% 15%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports August 28–29, 2014 700 ± 4% 48% 36% — 7% 9%CBS News/NYT/YouGovCBS News/NYT/YouGov July 5–24, 2014 512 ± ? 52% 27% 15% 0% 6% Results right 300px Shift by county 300px Trend by county Legend #d40000 Republican — >15% #ff0000 Republican — +12.5−15% #ff2a2a Republican — +10−12.5% #ff5555 Republican — +7.5−10% #ff8080 Republican — +5−7.5% #ffaaaa Republican — +2.5−5% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0−2.5% #d5f6ff Democratic — +0−2.5% #aaeeff Democratic — +2.5−5% #77e3ff Democratic — +5−7.5% #4bdbff Democratic — +7.5-10% #09ceff Democratic — +10−12.5% #00bdec Democratic — +12.5−15% #00a1c8 Democratic — >15% 300px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold Republican #f48882 Hold #ca0120 Flip 2014 Vermont gubernatorial electionhttps://vtelectionarchive.sec.state.vt.us/elections/search/year_from:2014/year_to:2014/office_id:3/stage:General VT Elections Database » Search Elections VT Elections Database August 13, 2019 August 13, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190813012120/https://vtelectionarchive.sec.state.vt.us/elections/search/year_from:2014/year_to:2014/office_id:3/stage:General dead Democratic Party (United States) Peter Shumlin (incumbent) 89,509 46.36% -11.44% Republican Party (United States) Scott Milne 87,075 45.10% +7.55% Libertarian Party (United States) Dan Feliciano 8,428 4.36% N/A Independent (United States) Emily Peyton 3,157 1.64% -0.35% Liberty Union Party Peter Diamondstone 1,673 0.87% +0.43% Independent (United States) Bernard Peters 1,434 0.74% N/A Independent (United States) Cris Ericson 1,089 0.56% N/A 722 0.37% +0.04% 193,087 100.00% N/A By county CountyPeter ShumlinDemocraticScott MilneRepublicanVarious candidatesOther parties#%#%#%Addison6,02546.6%5,76544.6%1,1308.7%Bennington6,20755.5%4,18037.4%8017.2%Caledonia3,13735.1%4,96255.6%8309.3%Chittenden23,75350.4%18,98840.3%4,3839.3%Essex52431.9%96758.9%1529.3%Franklin4,85036.2%7,35354.8%1,2089.0%Grand Isle1,19640.5%1,49050.5%2679.1%Lamoille3,20741.5%3,81049.3%7139.2%Orange4,32945.7%4,53247.8%6205.5%Orleans2,44831.2%4,52157.6%'87711.1%Rutland7,21037.8%10,28954.0%1,5568.1%Washington9,19045.0%9,29045.5%1,9259.5%Windham7,82962.1%3,77630.0%9987.9%Windsor9,60454.0%7,15240.2%1,0435.8% Totals89,50946.4%87,07545.1%16,5038.5% Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Grand Isle (largest municipality: Alburgh) Lamoille (largest municipality: Morristown) Orange (largest city: Randolph) Rutland (largest municipality: Rutland) Washington (largest municipality: Barre) By municipality and district Of Vermont's 275 "polling places" that report results separately—corresponding to the state's 255 towns and cities, with some larger municipalities broken into multiple precincts—Milne won a plurality in 162 precincts, or 58.9%. Shumlin won 112, or 40.7%, and they were tied in one other.Heintz Paul Close Call: Seven Reasons Shumlin Nearly Lost http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/close-call-seven-reasons-shumlin-nearly-lost/Content?oid=2472138 November 13, 2014 Seven Days November 12, 2014 Shumlin won the state's biggest voting area, Burlington (representing 9,604 gubernatorial voters), by a margin of 66% to 23%. Of the state's 10 largest municipalities, Shumlin also won South Burlington, Bennington, Montpelier, Hartford and Middlebury. Milne won Essex, Colchester, Rutland City, Williston and Barre Town. Of Vermont's 13 multi-member Senate districts, aligning roughly with the state's 14 counties, Milne won eight (61.5%) and Shumlin five (38.5%). Milne won the popular vote in 53 House districts; Shumlin won in 51. General Assembly vote Since 1853, the General Assembly has selected the first-place finisher in every gubernatorial election that has come before it,http://www.timesargus.com/article/20141110/NEWS03/711109999 Plurality or politics? November 10, 2014 November 11, 2014 Barre Montpelier Times Argus most recently in 2010, when Shumlin received 49.5% of the vote and was chosen over Republican Brian Dubie, and in 2002, when the Democratic-controlled legislature picked Republican Jim Douglas, who had received 44.9%, over Democrat Doug Racine, who received 42.4%.http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/10/lawmakers-likely-stick-secret-ballot/ Lawmakers likely to stick with secret ballot November 10, 2014 November 11, 2014 VT Digger The Assembly most recently reversed a plurality vote in the 1976 lieutenant gubernatorial election, when the Republican-controlled legislature picked Republican T. Garry Buckley rather than Democrat John Alden, who was suspected, and later convicted, of insurance fraud.Close election recalls recent recounts http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/06/election-recalls-recent-recounts/18622085/ November 13, 2014 The Burlington Free Press November 7, 2014T. Garry Buckley http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120527/FEATURES15/705279943/1014/OPINION06 November 13, 2014 Barre Montpelier Times Argus May 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20141113162135/http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20120527%2FFEATURES15%2F705279943%2F1014%2FOPINION06 November 13, 2014 dead mdy-allhttp://digital.vpr.net/post/wait-legislature-choosing-governor Wait, The Legislature Is Choosing The Governor? November 13, 2014 Vermont Public Radio November 6, 2014 Although the second-place finisher usually concedes the race, as happened in 2002 and 2010,http://edition.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/11/06/elec02.governor/index.html https://archive.today/20141113155328/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/11/06/elec02.governor/index.html dead November 13, 2014 Two candidates claim Alabama gubernatorial race November 7, 2002 November 13, 2014 CNNhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/03/vermont-election-results-_2_n_773154.html Vermont Election Results: Brian Dubie Concedes To Peter Shumlin In 2010 Governor's Race November 3, 2010 November 13, 2014 The Huffington Post Milne refused to concede. He considered requesting a recount, but did not do so, reasoning that it was "extremely unlikely, almost unfathomable, that a recount would put either candidate above the 50 percent mark."http://wamc.org/post/milne-wont-seek-recount-may-ask-legislators-elect-him-governor Milne Won't Seek Recount, But May Ask Legislators To Elect Him Governor November 14, 2014 WAMC November 13, 2014 November 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021839/http://wamc.org/post/milne-wont-seek-recount-may-ask-legislators-elect-him-governor dead Before the election, Milne said that if Shumlin won a plurality, he would support him and would expect Shumlin to do the same if the situation were reversed. After the election, however, he said, "it's clear that 54% of Vermonters want a new governor, and a new path forward."http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20141106/THISJUSTIN/141109966 Milne Calls Shumlin's Claim of Victory Premature November 7, 2014 Rutland Herald November 6, 2014 As 91 votes are needed to elect the governor from the 180-member body and Democrats and Progressives held 112 seats, it was considered unlikely that Milne would win.http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/12/scott-milne-pursuit-governorship/ Margolis: Scott Milne and the pursuit of the governorship VT Digger November 12, 2014 November 23, 2014 Milne argued that legislators should decide the election in line with how their individual districts voted.Laura Krantz Milne exploring all options http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/06/milne-exploring-options/ November 13, 2014 VTDigger November 6, 2014 Neal Goswami of the Vermont Press Bureau calculated that if each legislator voted according to the results in their district, the vote would result in a 90–90 tie. Milne disagreed with this calculation and claimed voting according to district outcome would result in his winning 93–87. 29em 1px right left The fact is that fewer people voted for Scott Milne than voted for Peter Shumlin. Milne did not get a majority, either. I just don't think he has a case to be made that a majority, or even a plurality of voters, want him to be governor. I don't think that I will probably have to persuade [other legislators of this], quite frankly. State House Speaker Shap Smith, whose district voted for Milne, explaining why he would vote for Shumlin Republican legislative leaders said that they would not whip their members to vote for Shumlin, leaving them free to vote their consciences. Though Republican lieutenant governor Phil Scott did not have a vote, he said that he would vote for Shumlin, and Republican state representative Kurt Wright said that he would do so.http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/ci_26895237/vermont-gop-says-party-will-follow-conscience-governor Vermont: GOP says party will follow conscience on governor vote The Berkshire Eagle November 8, 2014 November 11, 2014 November 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141112001928/http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/ci_26895237/vermont-gop-says-party-will-follow-conscience-governor dead Initially, no Democrats indicated that they would vote for Milne. Indeed, several Democrats whose districts voted for Milne over Shumlin said that they would vote for Shumlin, citing his plurality win. For almost a month, Milne made no further comment as he considered whether to lobby for legislators' votes.http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/republican-scott-milne-asks-legislature-to-vote-fo/31865/0LSmLUglskiTLbU9p21mGQ Republican Scott Milne Asks Legislature to Vote For Him My Champlain Valley Steph Machado Lesley Engle December 8, 2014 January 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104162128/http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/republican-scott-milne-asks-legislature-to-vote-fo/31865/0LSmLUglskiTLbU9p21mGQ January 4, 2015 dead mdy-all http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/12/milne-may-drop-recount-likely-wont-concede/ Milne may drop recount, likely won't concede VTDigger Laura Krantz November 12, 2014 January 4, 2014http://www.greenmountaindaily.com/diary/10752/milne-mulls-his-next-move Milne mulls his next move Green Mountain Daily Laura Krantz November 12, 2014 January 4, 2014 Former governor Douglas cautioned Milne against waging a legislative campaign for governor, saying that it was "unlikely" to be an effective strategy and that Milne should seek to preserve the "good will that he has accrued" and "acknowledge the result and come back and fight another day."http://digital.vpr.net/post/douglas-milne-dont-wage-legislative-campaign-governor Douglas To Milne: Don't Wage Legislative Campaign For Governor Vermont Public Radio Bob Kinzel November 10, 2014 January 4, 2014 left|thumb|225px|Former Republican Governor Jim Douglas, who urged Milne not to campaign for votes in the General Assembly On December 8, Milne held a press conference in which he defied suggestions that he would concede by officially announcing that he was asking state legislators to vote for him. He went on to say that he would not be "pro-actively" trying to convince legislators to vote for him, nor would he start "twisting arms", but that his "door is open" and called on legislators to "consider the record of the incumbent" and what was "best" for Vermont.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/12/08/milne-announces-plan-seek-election/20088821/ Milne continues push for governor's office Burlington Free Press April Burbank December 8, 2014 January 4, 2014http://www.montpelierbridge.com/2014/12/scott-milne-up-close-and-personal-qa/ Scott Milne: Up Close and Personal Q&A The Bridge December 19, 2014 January 4, 2014 Shumlin responded that he was "honored to have received the most votes in this election and would not want to serve as governor if I did not." He went on to say that he believed that "the Legislature will honor the long democratic tradition of electing the candidate who received the most votes." After Milne's announcement, Independent State Representative Paul Poirier, a liberal whose district voted for Milne by a 2-to-1 margin, announced that he would vote for Milne. One Democrat, State Representative Jim Condon, said that he would vote for Milne, also citing his district's support for Milne over Shumlin. Political science professors Eric Davis and Garrison Nelson and House Minority Leader Don Turner expected the General Assembly vote to roughly follow party lines, with Milne receiving about one-third of the votes, including most of the Republicans and a few Democrats and Independents. On December 17, Shumlin announced that he was dropping his plan to implement single-payer healthcare. The reforms, which required business and personal tax increases, had never advanced beyond the framework stage. Shumlin, who had missed two earlier financing deadlines, said that "this is not the right time" because the federal government had offered less funding than expected and "the potential economic disruption and risks would be too great to small businesses, working families and the state's economy."https://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/vermont-peter-shumlin-single-payer-health-care-113653.html Vermont bails on single-payer health care Politico Sarah Wheaton December 17, 2014 January 4, 2014 The media also cited controversy surrounding comments made by economist Jonathan Gruber, who was involved in crafting and advocating for the plan, and Shumlin's failure to win a majority in the election as reasons for the cancellation.https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2014-12-18/how-math-lawsuits-and-jonathan-gruber-killed-vermonts-singlepayer-health-care-dream How Math, Lawsuits, and Jonathan Gruber Killed Vermont's Single-Payer Health Care Dream David Weigel Bloomberg December 18, 2014 January 4, 2015 The decision, which Shumlin called the "biggest disappointment" of his career, drew a mixed response.http://www.vnews.com/home/14858908-95/decision-draws-mixed-response Shumlin's Single-Payer Decision Draws Mixed Response Rick Jurgens Valley News December 18, 2014 January 4, 2015http://www.timesargus.com/article/20141219/NEWS03/712199989 Some emboldened, others enraged by demise of single payer Barre Montpelier Times Argus December 19, 2014 January 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104200035/http://www.timesargus.com/article/20141219/NEWS03/712199989 January 4, 2015 dead mdy-all Business groups lauded his "pragmatic" move but supporters of health care reform organized protests and said that it would end his political career.http://vtdigger.org/2015/01/01/year-review-health-care-drama-unfolds/ Year in review: health care drama unfolds Morgan True VTDigger January 1, 2015 January 4, 2015http://vtdigger.org/2014/12/18/protesters-demand-action-single-payer-condemn-shumlins-betrayal/ Protesters demand action on single pater, condemn Shumlin's reversal Morgan True VTDigger December 18, 2014 January 4, 2015 At the end of December, the newly formed group "Vermonters for Honest Government" raised $30,000 to air television advertisements aimed at pressuring legislators to vote for Milne. The group's founder, retired United States Navy Captain Bill Round, said that legislators should vote against Shumlin because "he's promised a lot and failed to deliver."https://vtdigger.org/2014/12/30/group-launches-ad-grassroots-effort-pressure-lawmakers-vote-milne/ Group launches ad, grassroots effort to pressure lawmakers to vote for Milne VTDigger Anne Galloway December 30, 2014 January 4, 2014http://wamc.org/post/group-running-ads-urging-legislature-vote-milne-governor Group Running Ads Urging Legislature To Vote For Milne For Governor Vermont Public Radio Pat Bradley December 30, 2014 January 4, 2014 January 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104181711/http://wamc.org/post/group-running-ads-urging-legislature-vote-milne-governor dead Round did not reveal the source of the group's funding. Milne said that while he had no connection to the group, he appreciated the sentiment.http://digital.vpr.net/post/group-runs-ad-calling-election-scott-milne Group Runs Ad Calling For Election Of Scott Milne Vermont Public Radio Peter Hirschfeld December 30, 2014 January 4, 2014 By contrast, Shumlin said that he would "absolutely not" run any advertisements, nor would he campaign for legislators' votes or spend any money. He added that he was "not worried" about the vote.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/12/30/shumlin-says-worried-vote/21056955/ Shumlin says he's not worried about vote Burlington Free Press Peter Hirschfeld December 31, 2014 January 6, 2014 In early January, Milne reiterated that he was not actively campaigning for legislators' votes but said that he felt that his odds of victory were "getting better on a weekly basis, if not a daily basis."http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2015/01/03/milne-says-odds-improving/21231247/ Milne says his odds improving Burlington Free Press Dave Gram January 3, 2014 January 4, 2014 Shumlin said that if Milne were to win, Vermont would be "paralyzed", as the new administration lacked the time needed to assemble a new staff and draft a budget for the 2016 fiscal year. He also offered his support for amending the state constitution so that as long as a plurality winner received at least 40% of the vote, the Assembly would not be required to decide the election.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/01/05/milne-shumlin-vermont-governor-legislature/21300367/ Lawmakers to decide gubernatorial election Thursday Burlington Free Press Dave Gram January 6, 2014 January 8, 2014 On January 8, the General Assembly voted to reelect Shumlin by 110 votes to 69, with one legislator not voting. Shumlin stated that he was "grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this state I love. I expect this will be a productive session addressing the issues Vermonters care about so deeply." Milne said that it was "a good day for Vermont ... I was happy to be a part of it. I think the road that's led us here has a lot of people feeling like one person can make a difference." Milne did not rule out running again in 2016, although he later declined and instead ran for the United States Senate, losing to incumbent Patrick Leahy by almost 30 points.https://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/peter-shumlin-scott-milne-vermont-governor-race-114051.html Vermont legislature to pick next governor Thursday Politico Kyle Cheney January 7, 2014 January 8, 2014 Results 2014 Vermont gubernatorial election, Vermont General Assembly vote Democratic Party (United States) Peter Shumlin (incumbent) 110 61.45% Republican Party (United States) Scott Milne 69 38.55% Libertarian Party (United States) Dan Feliciano 0 0.00% 179 of 180 100.00% Democratic Party (United States) Analysis As no candidate received a majority of the vote, the Vermont General Assembly was required to decide the election, choosing among the top three vote-getters, Shumlin, Milne and Feliciano. The result came as a surprise to most observers, who had expected Shumlin to win easily.http://www.wptz.com/news/vermont-new-york/burlington/people-react-to-vermont-governors-race/29571318 People react to Vermont governor's race WPTZ November 5, 2014 November 13, 2014http://www.stowetoday.com/stowe_reporter/news/article_46a6096a-653b-11e4-a88b-f3f03141b952.html Milne nearly topples Shumlin Stowe Reporter November 5, 2014 November 13, 2014http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/11/13/what-the-hell-happened-in-vermont.html What the Hell Happened in Vermont?! The Daily Beast November 13, 2014 November 13, 2014 RealClearPolitics rated the race "Likely Democratic" and The Cook Political Report, Daily Kos Elections, Governing, The Rothenberg Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball all rated the race "Safe Democratic".2014 United States gubernatorial elections#Safe seats RealClearPolitics reported an average lead in the polls of 15.2% for Shumlinhttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/vt/vermont_governor_milne_vs_shumlin-5207.html Vermont Governor - Milne vs. Shumlin RealClearPolitics November 11, 2014 and HuffPost Pollster's model estimated Shumlin would beat Milne 51.1% to 37% with the probability that Shumlin would win the election at 95%.http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2014-vermont-governor-milne-vs-shumlin 2014 Vermont Governor: Milne vs. Shumlin elections.huffingtonpost.com October 27, 2014 November 11, 2014 November 11, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141111192510/http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2014-vermont-governor-milne-vs-shumlin dead right|thumb|225px|Democratic U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, whose support Shumlin touted Analyzing the results, The Burlington Free Press pointed to Shumlin's relatively soft numbers in opinion polls – he was in the mid-40s in the last four polls of the race – as evidence that voters were dissatisfied with the progress the state had made in instituting single-payer health care, with rising property taxes, and with the unsuccessful roll-out of Vermont Health Connect, the state's federal health care exchange.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/05/two-term-incumbent-governor-nearly-lost/18563053/ How a two-term incumbent governor nearly lost The Burlington Free Press November 6, 2014 November 11, 2014 Shumlin's internal polls showed a close race and he touted an endorsement from U.S. senator Patrick Leahy to try to put him over 50%. By comparison, Milne lagged in fundraising and spending, with $100,000 available compared to Shumlin's $1.1 million, which meant that he could not afford to pay for polling. Opinions varied about the effect Libertarian nominee Dan Feliciano's candidacy had on the result. Former governor Douglas suggested that Feliciano split the anti-Shumlin vote. The Burlington Free Press speculated that Feliciano drew voters dissatisfied with Shumlin but who would have voted for Milne if they had realized that he had a chance to prevail. Feliciano stated that he was "not a spoiler" but drew voters who could not bring themselves to vote for the Republican candidate. A Feliciano campaign consultant felt, based on polling, that her candidate's stance against Shumlin's healthcare policy garnered votes. Milne, who did no polling, began criticizing Shumlin's healthcare policy later in the campaign than Feliciano. Republicans wondered whether they should have done more to push Feliciano out, whether Milne should have run more strongly against single-payer, whether 2012 nominee and former state auditor Randy Brock should have run again, and whether the state party should have been less focused on state legislative races. Analysis by political experts pointed to the record-low voter turnout–around 43.6%–and that 39,000 more people voted for Democratic congressman Peter Welch than voted for Shumlin as a sign of dissatisfaction with Shumlin. University of Vermont political science professor Garrison Nelson said that "the people who showed up are the angry ones" and that, unlike Shumlin, "Welch demonstrated an appeal far beyond just the Democratic base."http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/11/analysis-many-voters-stayed-home-rather-back-shumlin/ Analysis: many voters stayed home rather than back Shumlin VT Digger November 11, 2014 November 18, 2014 In a news conference on November 12, Shumlin stated that the result was "humbling" and said that he would "listen, learn, reflect [and] be more inclusive." He also pledged to move ahead with single-payer health care and to address school spending, property taxes and the $100-million budget gap.http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/12/humbled-shumlin-vows-listen-learn/ Shumlin committed to single-payer, vows to listen, learn VT Digger November 12, 2014 November 18, 2014 On June 8, 2015, Shumlin announced that he would not run for a fourth term in 2016. He said that he had "never seen politics as a lifelong career" and "decided to make this decision now because I want these next 18 months to be about the work that we still have to do." He said that his decision was "not driven by poll numbers; [nor] driven by politics" and that after leaving office in January 2017, he would return to his family business in Putney.http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2015/06/08/shumlin-decided-against-2016-re-election/28690591/ Shumlin decides against 2016 re-election bid Burlington Free Press June 8, 2015 June 8, 2015 Several candidates announced their intention to run: for the Democrats, former state senator and 2010 gubernatorial candidate Matt Dunne,http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/02/dunne-announces-run-governor/71571840/ Dunne announces run for governor The Burlington Free Press Paris Achen September 2, 2015 October 1, 2015 former secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation and former state representative Sue Minterhttp://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/09/10/sue-minter-to-run-for-vermont-governor Sue Minter to Run for Vermont Governor Seven Days Terri Hallenbeck September 10, 2015 September 20, 2015 and Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Shap Smith;http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/08/22/shap-smith-speaker-questions/32157113/ Analysis: Should Shap step down as speaker? Burlington Free Press Paris Achen August 22, 2015 August 22, 2015 for the Republicans, retired banker Bruce Lismanhttp://vtdigger.org/2015/09/01/lisman-makes-2016-republican-gubernatorial-bid-official/ Lisman makes 2016 Republican gubernatorial bid official VTDigger.org Morgan True September 1, 2015 September 1, 2015 and Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott.http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/09/08/scott-pins-gubernatorial-campaign-on-fiscal-responsibility Scott Pins Gubernatorial Campaign on 'Fiscal Responsibility' sevendaysvt.com Terri Hallenbeck September 8, 2015 September 8, 2015 Milne did not run again. After saying that he was "unlikely" to run when Scott entered the race, it was later reported that he "would only get in the governor's race if Scott was to falter." Milne later clarified that he expected Scott to win the nomination and, in September 2015, officially endorsed him.http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/09/29/scott-milne-backs-phil-scott-for-governor Scott Milne Backs Phil Scott for Governor Seven Days Terri Hallenbeck September 29, 2015 October 1, 2015 Libertarian nominee Dan Feliciano, who joined the Republican Party in mid-January 2015,http://vtdigger.org/2015/01/14/libertarian-gubernatorial-candidate-dan-feliciano-joins-republican-party/ Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Dan Feliciano joins Republican Party VTDigger Tom Brown January 14, 2015 October 21, 2015 considered running for the Republican nomination.http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/06/08/shumlins-retirement-launches-2016-gubernatorial-race Shumlin's Retirement Launches 2016 Gubernatorial Race Seven Days Paul Heintz June 8, 2015 October 21, 2015Ln References External links Politics Vermont gubernatorial election, 2014 at Ballotpedia General election debate at C-SPAN Peter Shumlin for Governor of Vermont Aaron Brown for Governor of Vermont Dan Feliciano for Governor of Vermont Scott Milne for Governor of Vermont Emily Peyton for Governor of Vermont Complete video of gubernatorial candidates' debate gubernatorial Category:Vermont gubernatorial elections Vermont Category:Contingent elections in Vermont