(Host) Progressive Anthony Pollina says he hoped he'd have a clear shot at defeating Governor Jim Douglas this fall.

But Democrat Gaye Symington got into the race earlier this week. And Pollina says that will change the dynamics of the campaign.

VPR's Jane Lindholm reports.

(Lindholm) Anthony Pollina rejects the label of spoiler.

(Pollina) "Well, because there's no such thing. That's like going into Ben & Jerry's and you want ice cream, if there's vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, strawberry's the spoiler because a lot of people want the vanilla and chocolate. That doesn't make any sense. This is a democracy. And it's about including people and giving people the opportunity to participate.''

(Lindholm) Pollina represents the Progressive Party. Many Democrats say his presence in the race will draw votes from Symington because they appeal to the same voters-though Pollina rejects that idea.

Appearing on VPR's Vermont Edition, Pollina says he got into the race early and was gearing up to face Governor Douglas.

(Pollina) "I'm disappointed that there's not going to be a one-on-one race against the current governor because I do think that's obviously the easiest way to defeat him.''

(Lindholm) Pollina says he's worked for 30 years with farmers, labor unions and other groups to improve Vermonters' lives.

He contrasts his own experience with Douglas - who has been in state government for 30 years - and Symington, who has served 12 years in the House, including two terms as speaker.

(Pollina) "That kind of outside-the-Statehouse experience, to me, is what people are looking for. If they want another inside, if they want the same kind of government they've got, or politics as usual, there's other people they can vote for.''

(Lindholm) Pollina says both Douglas and Symington have been too willing to compromise in recent years.

He's critical of the Legislature and the administration for their efforts to reform health care, change the way schools are paid for and fix roads and bridges.

For VPR News, I'm Jane Lindholm.

AP Photo/Toby Talbot