Quote of the Day Archive

"This enables folks who may still be unemployed despite their best efforts some additional cushion to help them through this difficult time."

-- Patricia Moulton-Powden, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor, on an agreement between the state and federal government that could extend emergency unemployment payments to as many as 4,000 Vermonters.

"There are only so many hours in the day and VSEA is concerned that the administration, in an effort to reach their magic 150 number, conveniently shuffled job duties to other staff,"

-- Michael Casey, interim director of the Vermont State Employees Association, on 50 positions slated to be cut from state goverment because, he says, those job responsibilities were spread to other staff.

"The residents of Montpelier never chose Jon Anderson. Jim Douglas did, and this is an opportunity to make sure voters have that choice."

-- State representative candidate and Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper, on Rep. Jon Anderson, who was appointed to his Washington-5 seat last session by Republican Gov. Jim Douglas.

"I was very impressed with the work that Speaker Symington has done for the citizens of Vermont, and by her energy and enthusiasm about this race for governor. I look forward to working with my fellow Democratic governors to support the candidacy of Gaye Symington and also having her join our ranks in helping to bring about the change that Americans are looking for in 2008."

-- Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kan.), on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington (D-Jericho). 

"In Vermont, personality always plays a huge role."

-- Garrison Nelson, political science professor at the University of Vermont.

"Frankly, this is a ridiculous statement," Pollina said of the notion that Douglas initiated the buy-local movement. "It ranks right up there with Al Gore inventing the Internet."

-- Progressive Party gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina, saying that Repbublican Gov. Jim Douglas' claim is one of several examples of the three-term incumbent's trying to take credit for the work of others.

"We're excited about her candidacy, she's been running a smart campaign." Namey said. "We're engaged and watching the race closely."

-- Democratic Governors Association spokesman Brian Namey, on House Speaker Gaye Symington's gubernatorial candidacy.

"I spent a lot of time mulling this over and talking to a lot of people," Chen said Monday. "I have decided not to run at this time for lieutenant governor. At this point in my life, it doesn't feel right."

-- State Rep. Harry Chen (D-Mendon), on his decision not to run for lieutenant governor.

"We really wanted to do something to make sure we heard from people."

-- Progressive Party gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina (P-Middlesex, wrapping up a series of discussions he's held around the state as part of his campaign's statewide tour.

"I am confident that they will be able to adequately handle the demands of the office with occasional guidance from me as permitted."

- State Auditor Thomas Salmon (D-Rockingham), a U.S. Navy reservist saying that he has been called to active duty but will run for re-election anyway.