Vermont Republican Party Chairman Rob Roper's remarks regarding the military deployment of State Auditor Tom Salmon to the Middle East have sparked wide controversy among politicians across the state.

[img_assist|nid=1211|title=State Auditor Tom Salmon|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=144|height=122]An Associated Press article cited the state GOP leader as saying that "the voters in Vermont should have the option of having someone in the office who will be on the job on day one. Salmon won't even be here when the Legislature gets back."

In a statement, House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) countered: "It is unfortunate that Auditor Salmon's military service is being used as a political issue. This is a time to put partisan concerns aside and show respect for his service and that of all Vermonters in the military."

Jake Perkinson, Salmon's campaign manager, echoed the Symington's sentiments: "It's inappropriate to use Tom's deployment for political gain. Tom was very careful not to use his deployment as a reason to vote for him."

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Middlesex) also issued a statement about Roper's remarks: "Certainly, any Vermonter has the right to challenge him in the re-election campaign," said Leahy. "But to make auditor Salmon's service as a member of the U.S. Navy a reason to defeat him is out of line. It not only is inappropriate, it is offensive to Vermont's basic values."

Both Roper and Tayt Brooks, the executive director of the Vermont Republican Party, told PolitickerVT.com that the quote was taken out of context and Roper stated that he agreed with Leahy's comment. Roper claimed that he had actually said that Vermonters were lucky to have Tom Salmon serving in the military, but a challenger would better promote a fair and democratic process.

Roper emphasized that he was not using Salmon's deployment as a partisan issue, and said that Republicans were actively searching for a candidate to run against the auditor. Salmon, who narrowly beat Republican Randy Brock in 2006, announced that his unit would be deployed last week. Out of respect for Salmon's service, Brock has not yet decided if he will challenge Salmon this year.

Salmon, who will not return to Vermont until February or March of next year, has organized his staff to take care of the auditor's affairs will be taken care of while he is actively serving.

Jason Gibbs, spokesman for Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury) said that "Governor Douglas greatly appreciates Tom Salmon and his service to his state and his nation." He added that Salmon had done a "good job" as state auditor.

Symington noted that she is "confident he has left a capable team in place to carry out the work of the Auditor's office."

When Roper was asked if he believed Salmon could carry out the duties associated with being state auditor, the state's GOP chairman said "I think the answer to that question is obvious."