Vermont will elect a new lieutenant governor this year, for the first time in almost a decade.  On Thursday, the three major party candidates for this office will debate the issues and politics of the campaign, and answer listener questions.

The open lieutenant governor's seat has attracted candidates from all three of Vermont's major political parties. Wednesday on Vermont Edition, a debate between the two Democrats running for lieutenant governor: Steve Howard of Rutland and Chris Bray of New Haven.

Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Steve Howard talks with VPR's Jane Lindholm about his candidacy.

Vermont's three major parties all have primary races for lieutenant governor, and this summer Vermont Edition gives you a chance to hear from those candidates directly.Tuesday o nthe program, Democrat Steve Howard. Also, the truth behind the "July Effect" -- the idea that hospital mistakes spike in July. And students do well in a weekend fiddling competition in Lyndonville.

One candidate has dropped out of the race for lieutenant governor in Vermont, and a new one's in the running.