Both of Gov. Jim Douglas' challengers in his bid for re-election bashed the incumbent's past heating and energy policies this afternoon.

The first swipe came from Progressive candidate Anthony Pollina who noted in a statement that constituents were "very worried about paying for heat." He then assailed Douglas for not being more aggressive in seeking federal aid or pressuring congress to stand up to big oil companies.

Pollina went on to condemn Douglas for vetoing a 2007 energy bill and "protecting the profits of Vermont Yankee instead of finding long-term solutions to increasing energy costs."

House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) was next to launch her attack on the current governor, joining Pollina in his criticism of Douglas' rejecting last year's energy bill.

"The Governor has never come to the table with a plan for energy efficiency," said Symington in a statement.  "It is the Legislature that has taken the initiative and endured the administration's foot dragging and opposition to these programs."

The dual statements from their respective campaigns follow a speech Douglas made in Randolph.