(Host) The two Democrats running for lieutenant governor have positioned themselves to appeal to different blocs of their party. Chris Bray and Steve Howard debated today / Wednesday on VPR.
VPR’s Patti Daniels reports.
(Daniels) Both candidates serve in the Vermont House and they agree on a lot.
Both support single-payer health care. And they both oppose extending Vermont Yankee’s operating license.
But the differences between Bray and Howard emerged when they debated who was a more effective lawmaker.
Bray has served two terms representing New Haven. He says he’s demonstrated skill at introducing bills and guiding them into becoming law.
(Bray) "I think leadership is the ability when you’re a lawmaker to get a bill passed and make sure that it happens. Bills have no momentum of their own to pass. "
(Daniels) Howard has spent 12 years total in the House. He’s spent time on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. And he says sponsoring a bill isn’t the only way for a legislator to be effective.
(Howard) "It’s sort of out of touch and maybe a little ignorant of the process to suggest you have to have your name on the bill to make an impact legislatively. I’ve done it through bills that were moving through the process."
(Daniels) Their differences extend to their approach to politics.
Howard describes himself as a defender of traditional Democratic Party values.
(Howard) "I am a fighter for the middle class and I have been for 12 years and I’m standing up for middle class values. That’s a message that’s resonating throughout the state. Our campaign, asking Vermonters to join a campaign for a lieutenant governor who’s on their side is winning the endorsements of working Vermonters all throughout the state."
(Daniels) But Bray says he’s a pragmatic thinker who would bridge the gap between the Republicans and the more liberal wing of his own party.
(Bray) "I’d characterize the administration’s approach as oriented to cutting our way to prosperity. I don’t believe that can happen. I would characterize your approach as spending our way to prosperity. I don’t think that can happen. But when I talk to Vermonters all over the state I see a people that are willing to step up, work, be responsible, and I see our way working toward prosperity."
(Daniels) The contest for lieutenant governor is heated because incumbent Brian Dubie is stepping down to run for governor.
For VPR News, I’m Patti Daniels