As expected, Democrat Gaye Symington entered the race for Governor today. While it adds another dimension to the campaign, it does not change our strategy.

Let me share a few thoughts.

Our campaign is not about running against any of the other candidates. It is about running for Governor; running for Vermonters - including working families who make the tough choices the politicians talk about. Whether to put gas in the car or fuel in the furnace. How to pay for health care or send kids to college. Including those who have lost a job or struggle to get by with low wages. Including those who want to start enforcing our environmental laws. And including those simply fed up with a government that does not work for them.

Over the last six years, things have not improved for most Vermonters. Health care spending has increased by $2 billion. Thousands of good jobs have been lost and the gap between the rich and the poor is growing faster here than in all but one other state.

Some will say there is little difference between the Progressive and the Democrat. In fact there are clear differences between myself and the other candidates. Both supported the two-vote mandate for school budgets, a stimulus package that will do little to create jobs, and of course, the failure to move forward towards affordable health care for all.

Some will say a three-way race makes it impossible to beat the incumbent and a Progressive and Democrat will split the vote. In fact, in the last three elections, the Republican Governor defeated a Democrat without a Progressive candidate in the race. It's time for a different strategy. That is why we've reached out across party lines and continue to build a coalition broad and strong enough to win.

In the last week we traveled to Brattleboro, St. Albans, Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Rutland, Stowe and places in between. We held 4 community forums, met with a Democratic county committee and appeared on radio programs across the state. Meanwhile, the list of Democrats for Pollina just keeps growing.

We are airing our first radio ad, featuring the voice of Ben Cohen and I'm proud to have unsolicited endorsements from 2 labor unions: the Ironworkers and the IBEW local representing Verizon (now Fairpoint) workers.

Political campaigns are tough, and even tougher when working outside the two other major parties. No doubt, the next couple of weeks will be filled with questions and conversations about the upcoming campaign. Please stay in touch as we go forward together.

Thank you for your support,

Anthony