Progressive candidates for assorted political offices recounted lessons and tales from the campaign trail Saturday at the Vermont Progressive Party Convention in Montpelier.

Marvin Malek, unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor, stole the show with his observations. Malek admitted he should have started sooner. A first-time candidate, he said he figured out how to distill his views for debates, radio talk shows and newspapers, but he couldn't get used to the self-promotion involved in running for office.

He said he had worn lots of buttons over the years in support of causes. "But this was the first time I was promoting a person and that person was me."

While promising to remain active on issues, Malek told the crowd, "Whether or not I can ever run again and indulge myself in this orgy of self-promotion -- I don't know."

Malek also had an interesting observation about his Democratic rival in the race -- Matt Dunne.

"What Matt Dunne systematically tried to do is not oppose me, but absorb me," Malek said. Remembering the Malek is a doctor is important context for the rest of his next remark. "I felt like a nutrient in a small intestine."

In other news from the convention, Rep. Chris Pearson of Burlington will be the chief spokesperson for the six-member Progressive caucus in the House. In his absence, Rep. Sandy Haas, P-Rochester, will act as caucus leader.

The party also recognized some folks who toil out of the spotlight. Elizabeth Skarie of Williston and Richard Kemp of Burlington were presented with the Party's Zilliacus Award.

-- Nancy Remsen