The race for the Vermont Democratic gubernatorial nomination now has a third candidate.
Transportation Secretary Sue Minter says she's running for governor to help alleviate the "economic anxiety" that she feels is prevalent in many parts of the state.
It's still 11 months before Vermont's primary election and five candidates have already announced their intention to run for governor.
On the Republican side, Lt. Governor Phil Scott and businessman Bruce Lisman are in the race and it's possible that this primary contest could draw another GOP candidate.
On the Democratic side, Transportation Secretary Sue Minter now joins House Speaker Shap Smith and former Windsor County senator Matt Dunne.
Minter says improving economic opportunities for all Vermonters is a top priority for her campaign.
"I've really seen the challenges that people are facing and feel the economic anxiety that a lot of Vermonters have. I believe in our potential and I believe that Vermonters are looking for a leader that can make Vermont work and I want to be that governor," Minter says.
Minter says she has "broader" experience than either Smith or Dunne. She notes that she served in the Vermont House for three terms, she headed up the state's Irene Recovery efforts in 2011, and she's been in charge of a state agency that has a $600 million budget.
"I managed the second-largest agency in state government. I have 1,300 employees — a strong work force that requires a lot of involvement, management and motivation — and also a major budget to balance," Minter says.
"I managed the second-largest agency in state government. I have 1,300 employees — a strong work force that requires a lot of involvement, management and motivation — and also a major budget to balance." Sue Minter, Transportation Secretary
Minter says improving the state's transportation infrastructure is a key factor in her efforts to expand the Vermont economy.
"There are still many many old bridges out there to fix and of course the roads are never good enough so we need to continue investing — not just in roads and bridges, but in rail systems and transit systems because more and more people want to ride the train," Minter says.
Minter says she'll resign her state post on Friday and spend the next few weeks developing a campaign staff.
