Tayt Brooks

Former state Auditor Randy Brock (R-Swanton) officially announced his bid to represent Franklin County in the state Senate. 

Brock issued the statement this afternoon - a few hours after PolitickerVT.com received information that the former auditor would pursue the state Senatorial seat. He emphasized his past leadership skills and his determination to create jobs for Vermonters, fix energy policy, make housing affordable, reform property taxes and find ways to keep health care costs manageable.   

Gubernatorial candidates are vying to occupy The Pavilion's fifth floor: Politicker PhotoWith the kick-off tours for the top gubernatorial candidates finished, and the race to be the state's top executive officer currently underway, Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury), House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) and Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina have hunkered down for a long run until Election Day on Nov. 4.

Earlier in the week, leaders from all three candidates' campaigns spoke with PolitickerVT.com about their plans along the campaign trail. Today, political experts give their take on the race and how it's shaping up for the fall.

State Auditor Tom SalmonVermont Republican Party Chairman Rob Roper's remarks regarding the military deployment of State Auditor Tom Salmon to the Middle East have sparked wide controversy among politicians across the state.

An Associated Press article cited the state GOP leader as saying that "the voters in Vermont should have the option of having someone in the office who will be on the job on day one. Salmon won't even be here when the Legislature gets back."

State Auditor Tom Salmon (D-Rockingham), a Navy reservist, reported for active duty training Sunday in Gulfport, Miss. Salmon told top state officials in a letter Friday that though he was deployed up, he would remain in office and continue his re-election campaign.

State Auditor Tom Salmon Deputy State Auditor George Thabault tells PolitickerVT.com that Salmon had foreseen a possible deployment since this November and had worked with staff to make preparations for his absence. At a June 10 meeting, Salmon told colleagues that he had received his instructions and flight itinerary.

It looks as Tayt Brooks is to become the new executive director of the Vermont Republican Party. Tayt, a long-time activist and lobbyist, will replace Alden Guptil.

Guptil has joined his former boss Jim Barnett on the presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). We will watch what responsibilities Tayt will carry.