As the vote for a new speaker of the House grows nearer, the field shrinks.
Rep. Johanna Donovan, a Democrat from Burlington, has dropped out of the race. That leaves Reps. Shap Smith of Morristown, Mark Larson of Burlington and Carolyn Partridge of Windham.
It is said to be a tight race. The winner replaces Gaye Symington, who ran unsuccessfully for governor instead of seeking re-election to the Legislature. House Democrats make a decision Dec. 6.
They'll also be deciding on a majority leader between Reps. Floyd Nease of Johnson and Janet Ancel of Calais.
Anything could happen, including dark horse candidates.
Two years ago, the Senate had a tight race for president pro tem. By the narrowest of margins, Peter Shumlin defeated John Campbell. This year, there doesn't seem to be any question Shumlin will keep the job and Campbell will return as majority leader.
- Terri Hallenbeck
