AP/Toby Talbot

The Republican from Essex Junction has been lieutenant governor for seven years.

Dubie has been urged by Republicans to jump into the race since Gov. Jim Douglas announced a month ago that he would step down when his term ends in early 2011.

Douglas was among the high-profile Republicans who said Dubie was the candidate to beat next year.

Already three Democrats - Sate Senators Susan Bartlett and Doug Racine and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz have announced their candidacies. Several other Democrats also have expressed interest but haven't formally entered the race.

Note: Brian Dubie will be a guest on today's Vermont Edition at noon on VPR.