Milne calls Shumlin’s claim of victory premature

Gubernatorial candidate Scott Milne today criticized Governor Shumlin for his claim of victory in the 2014 Gubernatorial race.
“It’s clear that 54% of Vermonters want a new Governor, and a new path forward” according to Scott Milne, after reviewing preliminary numbers in what appears to be the closest race in Vermont history.
In some states when no candidate receives an absolute majority, a run-off election occurs between the two candidates receiving the most votes.  However, in Vermont, our founders enshrined in our state Constitution the process for the newly elected legislature to select the Governor when no candidate receives an absolute majority.
“We are gathering information for the requirements of a recount and weighing whether that is in the best interest of the people of Vermont, and we are looking closely at the legislative districts across the state on a district by district basis to determine which candidate won the most counties and legislative districts” said Milne.
“From the beginning of this campaign, I promised Vermonters that I will always listen before I act. I am hearing from Vermonters everywhere that this race is vital to our future, and that the problems before our state demand a sober and careful review before we decide our course. Once we understand the final facts and our options, we will speak more about our plans,” according to Milne.
Lawmakers last bucked a plurality vote in 1976 – in the Lt. Governor’s race – like now, the plurality winner- John Alden- faced confirmation by a House and Senate controlled by his own party.
“If we move forward, I expect Peter Shumlin has a good likelihood of facing the same fate as John Alden, and I will be Vermont’s next Governor” according to Milne.