Count Rep. Kathy Lavoie, a Republican from Swanton, among those deciding not to run for re-election next fall. The St. Albans Messenger reports that Lavoie is pulling the plug on her legislative career after four terms, partly out of frustration but also to spend more time back home. Lavoie was in the midst of the debate over energy last session.
It's likely that a fair number of legislators have decided over the break whether they really want to keep making the trek to Montpelier.
Traditionally, about one-third of the Legislature turns over each biennium. The drama comes in how that will impact the parties' balances at the Statehouse.
The parties will be battling to hang onto or boost their numbers. Republicans, as we know, have just enough seats to make gubernatorial vetoes viable. Can they afford to watch legislators opt out voluntarily?
- Terri Hallenbeck
