Vermont rep considering gubernatorial bid

Rep. Peter Welch is considering running for governor in his home state of Vermont, the Democratic lawmaker said in an interview published Wednesday. 

Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) announced earlier this week he would not seek reelection in 2016.

{mosads}“All of us, I think, in politics have as a primary goal being useful as a public servant. And your opportunities vary depending on your circumstances, both personal and political,” Welch said in an interview with Vermont Public Radio.

“I very much like my job, and have established myself here as somebody who can work across the aisle. And we absolutely, absolutely have to have that,” Welch said. “But the question is personal and political: Where can I best serve Vermont?”

Welch’s entrance into the race could help clear the Democratic field in a state the national Republican Governors Association has already said it would target in 2016. It could also open up Welch’s seat in the House, where he has served since 2007.

Welch previously ran for governor of Vermont in 1990, when he lost to former Republican Gov. Richard Snelling. Before that he served for eight years in his state’s Senate.

In addition to Welch, three other Democrats, three Republicans and two others are considering running for Vermont governor in 2016, according to the Valley News newspaper.

Shumlin, who has served as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and edged out a reelection victory last year, announced Monday he would not seek a fourth term as governor.