This week, outgoing Speaker of the House Gaye Symington announced she will be the Democratic candidate to run against incumbent Republican Jim Douglas and Progressive Anthony Pollina. Bob Kinzel talks with Symington about the three-way race and the issues that define her candidacy. (Listen)

Also on the program, news analysis with VPR reporter, Ross Sneyd. (Listen)

And we listen back to some of the voices in the news this week. (Listen)

Listener comments on this program:

Mary from Weybridge:
As an employee of a small business in Vermont that widely distributes
throughout the US, (American Flatbread), I am very concerned about the impact that the curent economic climate is already having on us, mainly drop in demand. How would you address this as governor and it's impact on a lot of small businesses that have been very sucessful in marketing the "Vermont" brand but are increasingly being seen as luxury items.

Fred from Windsor:
I like the idea of Mr Polina on taxes. Had we raised the dividends tax to be equal with the income tax we would not have had to borrow for the hi-way bill? I don't like taxes but I realize that we need them if we are to have infrustructure and other things we need.

Mary from Weybridge:
As an employee of a small business in Vermont that widely distributes throughout the US, (American Flatbread), I am very concerned about the impact that the curent economic climate is already having on us, mainly drop in demand. How would you address this as governor and its impact on a lot of small businesses that have been very sucessful in marketing the "Vermont" brand but are increasingly being seen as luxury items.