Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas announced Thursday he won't seek re-election, saying that after 36 years in the spotlight, it was time to call it quits.In a surprise announcement he attributed mainly to personal reasons, the 58-year-old Republican said he wouldn't run for another two-year term next year but had no plans to seek other elected office.
"...As any farmer knows after many years working sunup to sundown, seven days a week, there comes a time to turn over the reins to fresh arms. For me, that time is approaching. After 36 years as a public servant, 28 of those years in statewide office, with what will be eight years as governor, and through 15 statewide elections, I will have held center stage long enough for anybody.' Douglas, who'd said in recent months that he planned to run again, made the announcement midway through his fourth term in a room packed with longtime aides, supporters and some political opponents. He wasn't specific in saying why he didn't want to continue in the job, saying only he'd been in public service long enough. "I know there will be some speculation as to what is next, so I want to lay a few questions to rest immediately: I am not running for president. (Wife) Dorothy has a divorce lawyer on speed dial if I ever utter that crazy idea," he said.