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