Zuckerman starts run for lieutenant governor

State Sen. David Zuckerman has launched a campaign for lieutenant governor, saying Vermont has led on many issues but there’s more to do.

Zuckerman will run as a Democrat and seek the endorsement of the Progressive Party, as he has for his Senate campaigns.

Zuckerman, a 44-year-old organic vegetable farmer who lives in Hinesburg, says Vermont must make college more affordable, take strong and decision action against climate change, rebuild the state’s infrastructure including completing the expansion of high-speed Internet access across the state.

Zuckerman faces a primary against state Rep. Kesha Ram and Marlboro businessman Brandon Riker. Former state senator and state auditor Randy Brock is running as a Republican, and Rutland physician Louis Meyers is in the race as an independent.

Current Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, is running for governor.

Zuckerman says destructive and hateful language “has no place in our political debate.”

“I will stand with you and say bigotry has no place in Vermont,” Zuckerman told supporters Thursday. “We can do better and we must counter fear with facts and compassion.”

Zuckerman said Bernie Sanders was mayor when he arrived in Burlington. He said the Democratic presidential candidate and is a role model for how to take on the political establishment and “fighting for values that most of us share but too many are afraid to espouse when they’re up for election.”

“I have to say it’s particularly thrilling to be running in the same year Bernie is taking the country by storm,” he said.

Zuckerman drew more than 150 people to the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington for his campaign event and picked up endorsements including former Democratic Gov. Phil Hoff, Ben & Jerry's founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, and Senate Majority Leader Philip Baruth.

Baruth had considered running for lieutenant governor himself, but announced Thursday that he would support Zuckerman "come hell or high water."

Contributing: Free Press Staff.