Salmon may switch to GOP

[ccharles000]

State Auditor Tom Salmon, whose father was a Democratic governor for four years in the 1970s, is said to be on the verge of switching to the Republican Party.


Several sources said Friday that Salmon would make an announcement Tuesday and would likely run for re-election to a third term as auditor in 2010. If Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie decides not to run for governor to replace retiring Gov. Jim Douglas, Salmon might turn his eyes to the top office.

Salmon did not return a call seeking comment Friday.

Salmon has made no secret of his frustration in recent months over Democratic legislative leaders’ decision on filling gaps in the state budget. He was openly rebuffed in his efforts to be a player in budget negotiations.

Republicans said they would welcome Salmon to their fold and that his defection from the Democratic Party would be an indication the party has grown too liberal. Democrats wondered quietly what Salmon was thinking.

“It’s good,” Vermont Republican Party Chairman Rob Roper said. “I’m sure we’ll find a place for him.”

“A move by Salmon would reflect that he didn’t feel comfortable in today’s Democratic Party in Vermont,” said former Republican House Speaker Walter Freed of Dorset. “I like him. I’ve had conversations with him on property taxes.”

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090905/NEWS03/90905005

[Barack_America]

1. Two species on the verge of extinction.

A fitting alliance.

[rug]

2. As long as he realizes he's swimming upstream.

[WI_DEM]

3. good riddence then. Anybody who feels comfortable with today's GOP is nuts.

[damntexdem]

4. He may switch, but he'll never make it upstream.

And even if he did, he likely wouldn't be able to spawn.