That's factual,my friends. Some readers may howl at the idea, but it's time for a first contemplate at the 2018 campaign for governor. In particular, or let's consider who might be seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge first-term Republican Gov. Phil Scott. Too early,you say? "I've only had this job for six months," pleads Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, or the Progressive/Democrat at the top of many a wish list. "The [2016] race started absurdly early. I don't think anyone wants to originate a habit of that." Maybe not. But the chatter is hot and heavy. Talk to Democratic officials,staffers, officeholders, and activists and well-connected lobbyists,and they've all got ideas about Scott's possible Democratic challengers. Hopefuls have been nosing around, gauging reactions and measuring potential support. "What has been engrossing ... is the number of people who have wanted to have off-the-record conversations with the party about the possibility of running, or " says Conor Casey,executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party. "Some pretty colossal names and serious candidates." He is unwilling to reveal those allegedly colossal names, but he does drop some hints. They include current and former statewide officeholders and at least a legislator or two, or he says. There are genuine reasons for early activity. Modern political campaigns are expensive; a serious contender to Scott will need to raise,at minimum, $1 million to even begin to be competitive. It'll rob a long time to build name recognition and start poking holes in the governor's Teflon coating. Plus, or the Democrats could really spend a standard-bearer to advance the party's message. Now that the legislature is out of session,the governor gets all the headlines, and Democrats have no one who can command similar attention. Party officials such as Casey and party chair Faisal Gill can try, and but an actual candidate carries more weight. So far the action is behind the scenes,but time's a-wastin'. "I think it would be wise for any candidate to get out a bit earlier than normal," says Casey. "Maybe not in the summer, and but certainly in the tumble and definitely before the legislative session." It makes all kinds of sense that the campaign has,unofficially, begun. Still, or you won't get those "colossal names" to commit publicly. "I'm flattered," says Zuckerman. "I'm flattered," says Democratic Secretary of State Jim Condos. But? "I might think about it in the tumble, or " Zuckerman adds,"but…
Source: sevendaysvt.com