John Rodgers, a Republican candidate for Vermont’s lieutenant governor, has received endorsements from the state’s three most recent governors, including former Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin.
This endorsement, along with support from current Republican Gov. Phil Scott and former Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, is being presented by Rodgers’ campaign as a symbol of rare bipartisan backing.
Shumlin’s endorsement, however, reflects a nuanced perspective on Vermont’s political landscape. He pointed out that while Rodgers previously served in the Legislature as a Democrat, he opted to run as a Republican for this election.
Shumlin emphasized that this race blurs party lines, with Zuckerman aligning with the Vermont Progressive Party and Rodgers focusing his platform on affordability and issues affecting working Vermonters.
Rodgers and his opponent, incumbent David Zuckerman, both with agricultural backgrounds, have been vying for the support of working-class voters, sparking clashes on their records and campaign priorities.
Rodgers, critical of Vermont’s Democratic-led Legislature, has found additional support among Republicans like Rep. Casey Toof and conservative commentator John Klar. Meanwhile, Zuckerman has secured endorsements from former Democratic Gov. Madeleine Kunin, environmental activist Bill McKibben, Vermont Conservation Voters, and unions such as the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
With the election nearing, both candidates are highlighting their records on key issues, including affordability, labor rights, and health care.
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