[img_assist|nid=1216|title=Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington|desc=Symington for Governor|link=none|align=left|width=421|height=316]After a weeklong blitz of speeches, statewide tours, revamped websites and official announcements, Vermont's gubernatorial race is officially in full swing, with all campaigns eyeing the prize of a solid win in November.

But with Election Day months away, PolitickerVT.com spoke with leaders from the top candidates' campaigns to find out what Green Mountain State residents could expect from House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho), Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina and current Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury) on the campaign trail throughout the summer and into the fall.

Michael Carrese, communications director for Symington's campaign, stated that the House Speaker's goal is to "present a vision that's very compelling: that the ‘state is stuck in neutral'" and that seems to be "exactly what people are responding to and feeling." And Symington's vision, Carrese said, includes improving health care, education, and infrastructure, as well as tweaking tax programs and finding new sources of energy.

Carrese remains confident that Douglas' record, which he claims has been largely ineffective and full of empty promises, will be one of the best weapons in the Democratic challenger's arsenal.

"There's Jim Douglas' promise, Jim Douglas' rhetoric and then Jim Douglas' record," Carrese said.

But Douglas is just one of Symington's two challengers and some political insiders believe that Pollina will lure voters away from the House speaker.

Yet, Caresse dismissed any fears that the third-party candidate could significantly damage Symington's chances. "Mr. Pollina has run repeatedly and Vermonters have decided he's not really what they want in a high position," he said.

Caresse anticipates that the other candidates will criticize her for being "out-of-touch" and a "tax-and-spend-liberal," which he calls political rhetoric at its most basic. "It's right out of the political handbook," he stated.

And while this will be Symington's first state-wide campaign, Carrese said her experience as House speaker is ample preparation to take on the challenge of being the state's top executive officer.

Symington also faces the task of reaching out to Vermonters who she has not represented in the House. "People know her name but not a lot about her," admitted Carrese. "She's not a governor, not out there every day making speeches."

But despite the obstacles, Carrese pointed out that Symington works exceptionally well with people; she was unanimously elected House speaker, with support coming from both sides of aisle.

"A lot of Republicans respect her," he said. And in a year when political experts anticipate a high Democratic turnout, the added respect from the some members of the GOP could give her the push she needs to topple Douglas by November.

On Tuesday, PolitickerVT.com will speak with Anthony Pollina's campaign.