BURLINGTON — David Zuckerman is banking that progressive values will lead him the second-highest office in the state.
Sen. David Zuckerman at the launch of his campaign for lieutenant governor. (VPB/Josh O’Gorman)
The two-term senator from Chittenden County formally kicked off his campaign for lieutenant governor Thursday night before nearly 200 cheering supporters, with a promise to continue the work he has carried out in the State House for nearly two decades.
“As a state policy maker for nearly 20 years, I have worked to bring the Vermont work ethic, community-minded social values and common decency into Montpelier,” Zuckerman said. “I remember the sense of history we all felt when we passed civil unions. I have tried to focus on inequity and how to eliminate it and I’d like to bring that emphasis to the office of lieutenant governor.”
Sen. David Zuckerman at the launch of his campaign for lieutenant governor. (VPB/Josh O’Gorman)
Zuckerman is currently serving his second term as a state senator, having previously served as representative for Burlington. A co-owner and operator of Full Moon Farm, Zuckerman is a member of the Chittenden County Farm Bureau, Northeast Organic Farming Association-VT and Rural Vermont.
Sherry Corbin, chairwoman of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Action Committee, recalled Zuckerman’s support for same-sex marriage 15 years ago, when support for the issue among lawmakers was far less widespread than it is today.
“David was not one of those fearful politicians,” Corbin said. “David declared his support openly and with conviction, and that was not a popular position to take in 2000.”
Corbin was one of many high-profile people to offer their support for Zuckerman’s candidacy. In the audience was former Gov. Phil Hoff, who, in a statement, said, “I’ve known David for 22 years and always thought of him as a thoughtful, considerate, progressive person. I’m happy to endorse him for lieutenant governor.”
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream founders Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen speak at the launch of Sen. David Zuckerman’s campaign for lieutenant governor. (VPB/Josh O’Gorman)
Also in attendance were Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who recalled Zuckerman’s work to pass legislation requiring the labeling of food and drink that includes genetically modified organisms, even in the face of threats of lawsuits from the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Monsanto.
“Rather than being threatened by these big corporations, David and the legislature stood up and said they’re not going to take it,” Greenfield said.
Zuckerman, who is a member of the state Progressive Party, is running as a democrat, and will seek the progressive nomination through a write-in campaign.
Zuckerman’s candidacy creates a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor; Zuckerman will face Burlington Rep. Kesha Ram and Marlboro businessman Brandon Riker.
Other declared candidates include Republican Randy Brock and Rutland physician Louis Meyers, who is running as an independent.
josh.ogorman@timesargus.com
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