T. J. Donovan, Chittenden State's attorney, has decided to asked the Addison County State's Attorney to handle the investigation in alleged inappropriate conduct in a locker room by Sen. Ed Flanagan, D-Chittenden.

Donovan is moving the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest. He is pondering a run for lieutenant governor. Months ago Flanagan made public that he was considering a run for lieutenant governor rather than re-election to the state senate.

Flanagan said today he isn't actively running, "but I'm not foreclosing it." His focus from now until spring, he said, is on the business of the next legislative session.

Donovan didn't say he was definitely running, but he intends to explore his potential to become the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.

If he's running and Flanagan is running, he said "This circumstance creates a possibility of a conflict between Senator Flanagan and myself. In order to insure the integrity of the process, it is therefore appropriate that an independent review of the allegations occur."

Let's review who else has shown some interest in this office.

There's Rep. David Zuckerman, a Progressive from Burlington who might run as a Democrat to avoid the Progressive/Democratic squabble about who's a spoiler.

Some people mention Matt Dunne, a former Democratic state senator, who ran for lieutenant governor and lost in 2006. Would give it another try or is he only weighing his chances for the state's top job?

There's lots of reported interest on the Republican side of the ledger, assuming the Republican incumbent, Brian Dubie, moves up or on.

Sen. Randy Brock, R-Franklin, might go for it, assuming Dubie runs for governor.

Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, said he is considering it.

Mark Snelling, businessman and son of former Gov. Richard Snelling and former Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling, has considered runs for governor or lieutenant governor --depending on Dubie.

Sen. Phil Scott, R-Washington, has given thought to presiding over the Senate as lieutenant governor, too.

Hope I didn't miss anyone.

-- Nancy Remsen

Labels: Brian Dubie, Kevin Mullin, Mark Snelling, Matt Dunne, Phil Scott, Randy Brock, Rep. David Zuckerman, T.J. Donovan; Ed Flanagan

Mark Snelling, son of the late Gov. Richard Snelling and former Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling and brother of Sen. Diane Snelling, R-Chittenden, has felt the lure of political possibility as a result of Gov. Jim Douglas' announcement that he won't seek a fifth term.

Snelling said he's considering a run for either governor or lieutenant governor. Unlike other prospective Republican gubernatorial candidates -- namely Randy Brock and John Bloomer -- Snelling isn't going to defer to the choice that Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie makes about seeking the top job.

Does that mean Snelling is willing to chance a primary?

This Snelling hasn't ever held public office -- no school board or selectboard seat, not even a class presidency in grade school. Still Snelling said he been involved behind the scenes in 10 of his parents' statewide campaigns.

Snelling offered no timetable for his decision. Like everyone else whose imagining themselves in the state's top job, he's talking with people about his potential candidacy.

"I don't think one should dally too much, particularly if the choice was to run for governor."

Dubie has promised a fairly quick decision.

Tea leaves anyone?

-- Nancy Remsen

Labels: Brian Dubie, Gov. Jim Douglas election 2010, John Bloomer, Mark Snelling, Randy Brock