Vermont: Roy

June 1, 2009 - 09:09 am

Roy no longer exploring


Republican Chris Roy of Williston announced this morning that his candidacy for secretary of state is no longer exploratory, but is for real.

He also announced he has the endorsement of his former neighbor, Martha Rainville, who will serve as an honorary chair of his campaign. Rainville, former Vermont adjutant general and unsuccessful candidate for U.S. House, won't presumably be able to vote for Roy, however, as last we heard she was down D.C. way.

The Barre native and lawyer has a new campaign Web site: www.roy4sos.com.

He is among those who are presuming that Democrat Deb Markowitz won't be running for re-election. She is exploring a campaign for governor in 2010.

Charles Merriman, a Middlesex lawyer, is running for the office as a Democrat.

- Terri Hallenbeck

March 9, 2009 - 09:59 am

Chris Roy lining up support

Another bit of evidence that the scramble is on among politicians seeking office in 2010.

Lawyer Chris Roy, a Republican from Williston who is "exploring" a run for secretary of state, has announced that Barre Mayor Thomas Lauzon will be treasurer for his exploratory committee.

Roy grew up in Barre and he and Lauzon go way back. As a first-time candidate for statewide office it would be important for Roy to have a network of support outside Chittenden County where he now lives.

By the way, Roy has been raising a lot of questions about instant run-off voting in chats out there in ether land. Extending IRV might well be an issue in the next secretary of state's race even if the Legislature were to make some decision in the interim -- don't you think?

-- Nancy Remsen

February 12, 2009 - 09:53 am

Republican mulling secretary of state run

Chris Roy, a lawyer from Williston, announced this morning he's exploring a run for secretary of state in 2010 as a Republican. He said he has formed an exploratory committee.
If it seems early to be starting a campaign for secretary of state, Roy is apparently reading the tea leaves. The seat, held these last 10 years by Democrat Deb Markowitz, could be lacking an incumbent, as Markowitz is exploring a run for governor.
Roy, 44, an a native of Barre, is a partner with the law firm Down Rachlin Martin. He serves on the Williston Selectboard. In his announcement, Roy said he prides himself on working cooperatively, but he said little about what he would do as secretary of state. "At this time, Vermonters are looking for fresh voices and new leadership in Montpelier," he said. - Terri Hallenbeck