[img_assist|nid=1683|title=Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=160|height=200]Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie (R- Essex Junction) officially announced Tuesday that he would seek re-election for his seat as Vermont's second-in-command.

In his speech, Dubie highlighted his six year record as lieutenant governor and focused on his priorities for the next two years: Vermont's economy, energy, stricter sentences for sex offenders and criminals, elderly care, and education.

"Today I formally announce my campaign to seek a fourth term as your Lt. Governor," Dubie said, according to a transcript. "It has been a privilege to serve as your Lt. Governor and as Governor Jim Douglas's co-pilot. With your help, we both will continue to serve the good people of the great state of Vermont."

Dubie continued noting his work on policy initiatives such as the Next Generation Scholarship program that offers financial assistance to college-bound Vermonters, the Food and Fuel Partnership plan to help residents prepare for a home heating crisis in the coming winter months, and his support for Jessica's law-a policy that would increase prison time for sex offenders who prey on children.

"Working together we have accomplished much," Dubie concluded. "We have much to do. We need to re elect members of the house and senate that share our views. With your help, the Governor, the House and Senate and I will continue to do this important work to make Vermont an even better place to live and raise a family."

Dubie became Vermont's lieutenant governor in 2002, the same year Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury) won his first gubernatorial election.

This year, Dubie will square off against his Democratic challenger Thomas Costello, a Brattleboro attorney and former state representative. In 2006, Dubie won over 57 percent of the vote.

The lieutenant governor, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has recently returned to the Green Mountain State after being deployed to the Gulf Coast to aid in disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurrican Ike.