Assistant House Republican Leader Pat McDonald of Berlin has announced she will seek a seat in the state Senate representing Washington County.
McDonald is in only her second term in the House, but has a long history in state government, having been secretary of the Agency of Transportation, and commissioner of motor vehicle, labor and human resources.
McDonald may be hoping to capture the seat that Sen. Phil Scott, R-Washington, will vacate because he's chosen instead to run for lieutenant governor. Washington County has three seats in the Senate. Two have been held by Republicans and one by a Democrat.
In Franklin County, Judith McLaughlin will run for the state Senate, also as a Republican. Franklin County currently has one Republican senator -- Randy Brock, who has said he will run for re-election -- and one Democratic senator, Sara Kittell.
McLaughlin is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Vermont Army National Guard.
"She has strong leadership skills and she is eager to provide some public service," said Linda Kirker, Franklin County Republican chairwoman. "I say, go girl!"
-- Nancy Remsen
Labels: vermont politics
