Peter Shumlin - Down and Out

This from James Dwinell's Political Report this week.

Shumlin hasn't the stuff it takes to reach higher office. He's a pandering, power-hungry politician, not a leader. I remember him well in his early years as a Vermont State Representative from the Brattleboro area.

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"PUTNEY, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

Peter Shumlin has three times dressed for the ball. Each time, unlike Cinderella, unanticipated shyness froze his feet. Five years ago he called a press conference at which many thought that he was going to toss his hat into the Congressional ring to challenge Bernie. But he blinked. Family called.

Four years ago he called a press conference to announce the end of his expected race for governor, electing instead to ascend to lieutenant governor. Doing this for the good of the Party. Vermonters looked askance at Shumlin and chose Brian Dubie.

THREE STIKES, YOU ARE OUT

For months this year Shumlin has maintained that he is in the race for Congress to replace Bernie for keeps, money was no problem for him, and he hired Dean's former staffer and key campaign aide Kate O'Conner as his campaign manager. Last week he ventured to Washington in search of money and power only to find that all the money and power was committed to the candidacy of Senator Peter Welch. Suddenly Shumlin developed a fear of flying and bailed out, suggesting that he would enjoy returning to the Vermont senate but not as a leader.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY

Kate O'Conner was Howard Dean's longest serving and most loyal and fanatic aide. She not just went through fire for him, she willed his victory at the polls in spite of an often lackluster effort from the candidate. So now Kate goes to Washington to see old Waldo who pulls a foldo and will not help her new boss, Peter Shumlin. Shumlin has approached the governor's office about an appointment should a current senator retire. Ha, fat chance! Ironically, the leading candidate reportedly is Kate O'Conner's mom who hosted a Democrats for Douglas fundraiser."