Suzi Wizowaty

Since Doug Racine was in Thailand during tonight's Democratic fundraiser in Barre, at which all the gubernatorial candidates were invited to speak, I was asked to represent him. Here is what I said:

[After my thank yous...]

For as long as I’ve known him, Doug has stood resolutely for fairness and justice, to me the most important principles that guide government. Throughout his seven terms as senator and three as lt. governor, he has been absolutely steadfast in his commitment to the wellbeing of all Vermonters, not just a small segment.

In the legislature, I’ve seen the way he grasps the big picture. He has an innate sympathy for people who are struggling, whether they be families on the edge or business owners facing rising health insurance costs. I have complete confidence that as governor he will work hard to stimulate economic growth AND maintain strong supports for families. I trust his values and his leadership.

Leadership is what we need most. In this strong field of candidates, Doug stands out for me because he has demonstrated over and over a profound, unshakeable commitment to the core values of the Democratic party. We need someone whose core values are so strong—whose commitment to fairness is so strong—that he can stand up for what’s right in the face of political opposition—and more than that, lead us with a unified voice to a stronger, economically healthier state.

Here’s just one example. In 1999, while Vermont was awaiting a decision in Baker v. State, Hawaii overturned its decision on marriage equality, and Hawaiian legislators sent a mailing to every Vermont household warning us about the dangers of marriage equality. Doug was lt. governor at the time and spoke out in favor of lesbian and gay civil rights. But almost every major Vermont political leader remained silent. The Burlington Free Press accused Doug of being irresponsible and inviting “warfare within Vermont's borders and unprecedented assault from without.”

But Doug, typically, stood firm. He publicly declared his belief that lesbian and gay families should be treated equally under the law. I don’t know how much courage it takes, frankly, to do the right thing. I don’t know whether this was difficult for Doug. I suspect it was not. I suspect that doing the right thing here, as in so many ways, came naturally.

I believe Doug can win. It’s worth remembering that he beat Brian Dubie in 2000 - 53% to 41%. And when he wins for governor, he …
will work to bring quality, affordable health care to every Vermonter, and to pay for it in a way that is fair and controls costs.

He will work to strengthen our economy, restore our middle class, support entrepreneurship, and bring real economic opportunities to all Vermont families.

He’ll invest in our future by aggressively pursuing renewable energy.

And he’ll work to conserve and strengthen our working landscape, without sacrificing our soil and water.

Like all of us, Doug loves this state. He was born and raised here and he’s proud of Vermont and of Vermonters. He’ll work for all of us. I’ll be voting for Doug for governor because I believe he will lead us as a state to become the best we can be. I hope you'll join me.b