Racine criticizes Douglas for campaign comments

(Host) Governor Jim Douglas has criticized Democrats for starting early on the 2010 campaign.

But one of his potential opponents - Chittenden Senator Doug Racine - says Douglas is in constant campaign mode.

(Racine) "It's pretty clear that the governor is campaigning full time, as is his right. He's on the road a lot, he is shaking hands and doing things that are perhaps only remotely related to solving the economic crisis of the state."

(Host) Racine announced in early January that he would run for governor in two years. And the governor said last week that Vermonters would think it was - quote - "perverse" for candidates to announce so early.

But Racine said that in the last several campaign cycles Douglas has raised and spent tens of thousands of dollars early in his term.

(Racine) "So it's somewhat disingenuous for the governor to be suggesting that others who might be interested in running cannot engage in the same sort of activity that he's engaged in consistently over the years."

(Host) Racine has filed campaign papers with the Secretary of State's office because he has received campaign donations. Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is also exploring a run for governor.