The field of Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor shrank Wednesday when Marlboro businessman Brandon Riker dropped out of the race and threw his support behind former rival David Zuckerman.
Riker announced his withdrawal at a news conference in Montpelier, where he said Zuckerman, a Democratic/Progressive who represents Chittenden County in the Vermont Senate, “is the right choice to be the next lieutenant governor.”
“On the campaign trail I have seen Dave's moral compass and I will always know where he stands as lieutenant governor," Riker said in an email statement following the news conference.
Riker’s decision shrinks to two the number of Democrats seeking the party’s nomination. Burlington Rep. Kesha Ram is also running.
Ram has already raised more than $100,000 for her campaign, according to campaign finance documents disclosed last week. Zuckerman, who abandoned his plan to run a publicly financed campaign after losing a federal court case earlier this month, has raised more than $60,000.
“It means a lot to me” to win Riker’s support, Zuckerman said.
"We've been at many events together and I know he has been working hard for Vermont and Vermonters,” Zuckerman said. “It's great to add his support to the many in southern Vermont who are already excited about my campaign."
