Former state Representative Thomas Costello of Brattleboro took a step toward returning to Montpelier, winning the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.
With 73 percent of the vote in, Costello held a 25-point lead over Nate Freeman of Northfield early today.
The 63-year-old Brattleboro lawyer — former chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Vermont House — will square off in November against incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie.