Former Gov. Hoff endorses Pollina
Progressive might face challenge in primary
Times Argus, March 18, 2008, by Daniel Barlow (link to article).
MONTPELIER – Former Vermont Gov. Philip Hoff. a Democrat, endorsed Progressive Anthony Pollina for governor Monday, giving the campaign a key boost as it continues reaching out to Democrats for support.
Hoff did not return a call for comment Monday, but in a letter published that same day in the Burlington Free Press, he called Pollina’s candidacy “an opportunity” for unity between Democrats and Progressives in Vermont.
“It is my understanding that he seeks the support of the Democratic Party,” Hoff wrote in the short letter. “Given this situation it seems to me that we Democrats should set aside partisan politics and support Pollina.”
The endorsement comes at a time when Pollina, in his third run for high state office, is courting Democrats, who still do not have an announced candidate for governor for next November’s election. Just last week, a group of 150 Democrats announced an effort to write-in Pollina’s name on the Sept. 9 Democratic primary.
Pollina, whose campaign quickly trumpeted Hoff’s endorsement in a news release and on its Web site Monday, said he has tremendous respect for the former governor and sought out Hoff’s support while considering his run last year.
“I’ve admired Gov. Hoff for a long time because of his inspirational leadership in Vermont,” Pollina said. “Hopefully this will encourage other Democrats to become supporters of my campaign, as well.”
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Contact Daniel Barlow at Daniel.Barlow@rutlandherald.com.