Rep. Welch Statement on Gov. Shumlin's Announcement

Statement

WASHINGTON--Congressman Peter Welch (VT-AL) released the following statement in response to Governor Peter Shumlin's announcement that he will not seek a fourth term as governor:

"Governor Shumlin has been compiling an extraordinary record of service as Vermont's 81st governor.

"He led us through the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene, mobilizing Vermonters across the state to help one another and to rebuild Vermont to be stronger than before the storm. He was a resolute advocate for marriage equality. And, thanks to his bold leadership, the Vermont General Assembly became the first state legislature in the country to make marriage equality the law of the state. He has been a leading national voice on the urgent need for action on climate change. He recognized the peril of climate change but also the economic opportunity it presents for those states having the wisdom to face it head on. Working with the legislature and the private sector, he has created thousands of clean energy jobs that will ensure Vermont is ahead of the curve. And, he guided Vermont through five challenging budgets, working with all parties to make the tough decisions required to maintain Vermont's fiscal stability.

"Throughout his career, from his early days on the Putney Selectboard, to his leadership of the Vermont Senate, and through three energetic terms as Governor, Peter has been a tireless advocate for the state he loves and for the success of all Vermonters. I have tremendous respect for him, what he has accomplished, and what he no doubt will continue to accomplish as our Governor for the next 18 months."

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