NEWS

Brock starts lieutenant governor run

April McCullum
Free Press Staff Writer
Randy Brock participates in a gubernatorial debate at Vermont Public Television on Oct. 4, 2012. Brock announced Thursday that he is running for lieutenant governor.

Randy Brock, the Republican who mounted an unsuccessful run for governor against Gov. Peter Shumlin in 2012, has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor.

Brock said in an interview that he chose the office because he believes his skills and experience fit the "blank page" of the lieutenant governor position.

The lieutenant governor can generate new ideas about long-term issues of jobs and education, Brock said, while other state officials may be preoccupied with pressing concerns such as a budget gap.

"What it really is is a platform," Brock said. As one specific idea, he said Vermont could use state software contracts to foster a local software industry.

Brock, 72, of Swanton, has a background in business as executive vice president of risk oversight for Fidelity Investments. Brock was Vermont state auditor from 2005 to 2007 and then represented Franklin County for two terms in the Senate.

In an announcement email, Brock said he would preside over the state Senate with "dignity and impartiality," and facilitate discussions "across party and ideological lines."

Brad Ferland of St. Albans will serve as Brock's campaign manager.

Democratic newcomer Brandon Riker, 28, of Marlboro, is also seeking the lieutenant governor's seat. Riker announced $103,000 in campaign fundraising in July.

Many other Vermont politicians have expressed interest in the position.

The list of potential candidates includes one of last year's lieutenant governor candidates, former legislator Dean Corren; Senate President Pro Tempore John Campbell, D-Windsor; Sen. Dick McCormack, D-Windsor; Sen. Philip Baruth, D-Chittenden; Sen. David Zuckerman, P/D-Chittenden; and Sen. Joe Benning, R-Caledonia. None has formally announced a campaign.

Note: Dean Corren, former candidate for lieutenant governor, is chief technology officer at Verdant Power. His occupation was incorrect in an earlier version of this article.

Contact April Burbank at 802-660-1863 or aburbank@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AprilBurbank