Dunne will run for governor
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VERMONT PRESS BUREAU - Published: November 3, 2009
MONTPELIER — Former State Sen. Matt Dunne is set to announce he'll run for Vermont governor this morning.
Dunne, a resident of Windsor County, sent an e-mail Monday to supporters announcing that he will seek to replace retiring Gov. James Douglas next year.
A 10:45 a.m. announcement has been scheduled for this morning in White River Junction.
"Yes, I will enter the race to be governor of Vermont in 2010," Dunne wrote in the e-mail. "We will make an official announcement tomorrow, but since the work of building our state's future will be done by people like you, you are really the most important audience."
Dunne, 37, is the fourth Democrat to enter the race for governor next year. Others include Chittenden County Sen. Doug Racine, Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz and Lamoille County Sen. Susan Bartlett. Windham County Sen. Peter Shumlin is also expected to announce soon as well.
After serving eight years in the Vermont House and two terms in the Vermont Senate, Dunne challenged Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie for his seat in 2006. He received 45 percent of the vote compared with Dubie's 51 percent.
If Dunne wins the Democratic primary, he is sure to face Dubie again at the polls in November 2010.
Weeks after Douglas announced he would not seek re-election next year, Dubie announced his intention to run and is expected to face no primary opposition.
Since leaving public office, Dunne has worked for Google, the Internet search company. Late last month – as speculation swirled that he would soon announce gubernatorial plans – Dunne launched www.VermontFuture.org, to solicit ideas for his campaign.
In his statement to supporters on Monday, Dunne said today's announcement will be a low-key affair without "banners and crowds."
"It will be a more informal occasion with family and a few of the many people I've met around the state who believe, as I do, that Vermont is ready for its next great era," he wrote.
Dunne's announcement will take place at 10:45 a.m. at the Tip-Top Café at 85 North Main Street in White River Junction.
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