Vermont will elect a new lieutenant governor this year, for the first time in almost a decade. The lieutenant governor is the presiding officer in state Senate, and the remainder of the job description is open-ended. On Thursday, the three major party candidates for this office will debate the issues and politics of the campaign, and answer listener questions.

Democrat Steve Howard of Rutland has served six terms in the Vermont House, and has worked as a fundraiser and political organizer. Progressive Marjorie Power served on the Montpelier City Council from 1993 to 1997. And Republican Phil Scott of Middlesex has served in the Vermont Senate since 2001.